Have you ever noticed your dog sitting a little oddly, standing stiffly, or lying down in a funny way? Posture might seem like just another quirk, but it can actually be one of the biggest clues to how your dog is feeling — both physically and emotionally.
As a vet (and someone who spends a lot of time watching dogs move in our rehab gym), I can tell you: posture is like a secret language. Once you know what to look for, you can learn a lot about your dog’s comfort, mobility, and even pain levels.
Posture as a Window into Health
Dogs are masters of disguise when it comes to pain. They don’t complain the way we do. Instead, they adapt — by shifting their weight, standing differently, or avoiding certain positions.
Some posture changes that can raise red flags include:
- Hunched back – may suggest spinal discomfort, abdominal pain, or arthritis.
- Sitting with legs stuck out to the side – often a sign of hip or joint pain.
- Reluctance to lie down or difficulty rising – could point to arthritis or muscle weakness.
- Weight shifted off one leg – a common sign of joint or soft tissue injury.
- Head carried low or stiff neck – may indicate neck pain.
Of course, posture isn’t always about pain. Sometimes, it reflects anxiety, stress, or simple fatigue. That’s why it’s so important to look at the bigger picture — your dog’s behaviour, history, and lifestyle — alongside what we see in their body language.
Why Ignoring Posture Changes Can Be Risky
It’s easy to brush off a slouched sit or stiff stance as “just how they sit.” But subtle posture changes are often the first signs of a problem. Left unchecked, they can:
- Lead to worsening pain and stiffness.
- Mask underlying conditions like arthritis or injury.
- Reduce your dog’s mobility and confidence.
- Impact their overall happiness and quality of life.
The earlier we notice and address these changes, the better the outcome for your dog.
The Good News: We Can Help
The wonderful part is that posture gives us a way to step in early. When we see changes, we can investigate and create a plan that helps your dog feel more comfortable. At Rouse Hill Family Vets, that might include:
- Rehabilitation exercises to build strength and flexibility.
- Acupuncture to ease pain and improve movement.
- Weight and diet plans to take pressure off joints.
- Medications or supplements where needed to manage arthritis or inflammation.
- Fear Free handling so your dog feels safe and relaxed while we assess and treat them.
One of my favourite things to see is a dog whose posture improves after treatment. Owners often say, “She looks more comfortable!” or “He’s not shifting his weight to the side anymore.” That little shift in body language often reflects a big improvement in comfort.
What You Can Watch for at Home
You don’t need to be a vet to start noticing posture changes. Here are a few things you can keep an eye on:
- Does your dog sit differently than they used to?
- Are they avoiding certain positions?
- Do they seem stiffer after resting?
- Is their back or neck looking rounded or hunched?
If the answer is yes, it’s worth a check-up.
Helping Your Dog Stand Tall Again
Our pets can’t tell us with words when something hurts — but their bodies often do. By paying attention to posture, you can spot the early signs of discomfort and help your dog stay mobile and happy for longer.
If you’ve noticed changes in how your dog stands, sits, or moves, let’s take a closer look together.
Your dog’s posture is more than just a pose — it’s a message. And we’d love to help you listen to what they’re saying.
Warm wishes,
Dr Belinda
