Get Ready to Laugh at This Dog’s Expert Splooting (& Learn Why Dogs Sploot)
Just about every dog owner has that one thing that comes to mind when they think of their pup’s goofy yet adorable antics. But if there’s one amusing act that almost all — if not all — dog owners get to see on a regular basis, it’s dog splooting.
If you’ve ever found your furry friend lying on their belly with their hind legs stretched out as though they’re doing a full-body stretch, you, my friend, have already witnessed the famous dog sploot. A Shiba Inu named Stella has found fame online for her splooting “talent,” which she showcases at any chance she gets.
In an adorable seconds-long TikTok video posted by Stella’s owner @haus_of_shib, this lovely Shiba Inu sploots everywhere without apology. “Stella has been splooting since day 1, and she sploots everywhere imaginable. It’s so cute to see her little curly tail while she’s all stretched out, relaxing,” read the caption on the video.
Why Do Dogs Sploot? 4 Reasons You Probably Never Knew
Looking for the perfect excuse to show off your dog’s cuteness on social media? We’ll let you in on a little secret: have your camera ready whenever you catch them splooting!
Dog splooting — or frogging, as many call it because of its close resemblance to the frog-like posture — elicits different reactions from dog owners. While there are those who instantly get serious heart eyes when they watch their doggo sploot, this popular posture sparks concern in the minds of other dog owners. So, if you’ve found yourself wondering: “Is splooting bad for dogs?” “Is splootiong a sign of hip dysplasia?” or “Should I be worried if my dog sploots?” stick around to find out!
Splooting is common among all dog breeds, large or small. Don’t believe us? Check out this Doberman below:
However, it’s observed more in short-legged breeds such as Corgis, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds, who naturally have much more flexibility in their hip joints.
“Splooting is most commonly associated with Corgis and Dachshunds, but every dog can sploot if they feel like it, explain experts at Bark Bright in an Instagram post.
In addition, puppies are also more notorious splooters compared to older dogs, as their joints are still developing and are thus more flexible.
There are three splooting styles commonly seen in dogs:
- The full sploot: If “letting loose completely” had a face, it would be the full sploot. This is where a dog lies flat on their belly while stretching both their hind legs backward.
- The half sploot: This sploot involves a dog stretching out only one hind leg while the other remains tucked beneath their abdomen.
- The Side sploot: In this case, one of your dog’s hind legs will be stretched to the side with the other tucked in.
As hilarious and puzzling as splooting seems, dogs don’t do it without a reason. So the next time you come across your furry friend lying on the floor with their hind legs spread out without a care in the world, it could be because of the following reasons:
1. Splooting Offers a Relaxing Stretch
Think of splooting — especially the full dog sploot — as the dog version of pilates and yoga. Dogs enjoy splooting because it feels relaxing and comfortable, same way we feel when we stretch out our bodies.
Although splooting may seem like a painful, uncomfortable posture, best believe, it’s anything but that. This froggy stretch helps your four-legged bestie loosen up and relieve any muscle tension they’re experiencing, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“That’s what my dog does every morning when he gets up off the couch. I think it’s a morning stretch. So maybe your dog is stretching too,” commented user Queasy-Bite-7514 in a Reddit discussion on dog splooting.
2. They’re Trying to Cool Off
Have you noticed your doggo sploots more often during hot weather? Well, that’s likely because it helps them cool off. Considering your dog has little hair on their belly, lying flat on a cool surface on hot days — be it cemented floor, tiled floor, or shaded grass — allows them to experience a much-needed cooling effect on their belly and underneath their legs, and ultimately, their whole body.
“My biggest sign that she’s getting too hot is when she takes a break during a walk to sploot against some shaded grass,” commented user @chartreusepillows in a Reddit discussion on how dogs act when it’s hot outside.
3. It’s Too Comfortable to Resist
Think of your go-to sitting posture when you’re chilling on the couch. Chances ares, you always take that particular position because it’s the most comfortable from your experience. This could be the same case for your dog. If your furry friend is a certified splooting fan, it’s likely that there’s no other posture that feels comfy to them more than splooting.
4. A Playful Pose
Sometimes, a dog in the mood for play will unleash a playful sploot. So if your four-legged friend is feeling playful, you may see them splooting excitedly.
“My friend’s dog doing the perfect sploot while we play kickball,” shared user @cayce_leighann on Reddit.
Dog Splooting: When You Should Be Concerned
While dog splooting is generally a harmless position, it can sometimes suggest that something’s medically wrong with your dog — particularly if it’s accompanied by other unusual symptoms.
It’s common for older dogs with orthopedic conditions such as inflammation of the joints and hip dysplasia — a hereditary condition characterized by malformations in the ball and socket joint of the hip — to sploot more than usual as a way of easing discomfort. So, if you notice your dog sploots while exhibiting other symptoms like limping, decreased activity, and a reluctance to walk, it’s best to speak with your vet.
Now, onto the most fun part…..
Can’t get enough of our canine besties and their splooting habits? Here are more photos of dogs splooting that will brighten your day:
