Prayer position

[CatsangDogs]

Hi, looking for a handhold and hopefully some advice. I mentioned to a friend last night about my dog going into the prayer position sometimes, not everyday just every so often. My dog is 16 and has arthritis in her hips so I had assumed she just lay down like this if she were stiff/sore. I have never heard of this before last night so been googling away and I'm now worried sick. Could anyone advise as to whether this is really as serious as everything I'm reading. I'm waiting for 8.30 to ring the vets to see what they say and I'm worried sick they will say its time to let her go. She hasn't had any sickness and still eats her food everyday. I would never ever let her be in any pain but I have just lost my dad a matter of weeks ago and I can't bear to lose her right now too. Thank you.

Do you mean a big stretch with head and front legs down and mum in the air? If so then all dogs do it and it’s fine provided it’s not coupled with other signs of pain or changing in frequency etc.
Definitely speak to the vet if you’re worried but that alone isn’t cause for concern.

Sorry for typos!

Hi @Keepingthingsinteresting yes thats exactly what is happening. I thought it was because of her arthritis so I had taken her back to the vets last Thursday and they increased her pain meds. Thanks for your reply.

Assume you don’t mean a normal stretch like after they’ve woken up?
Does your dog hold this position? Is she stiff when she doe it? Rigid, repeated and are there any other symptoms - bloat, hard stomach, panting, vomiting, yellow eyes? If so she needs the vet.

I was doing this stretch the other night as I have a sore back. My dog came and did it with me. But he’s 2 and does it most days.

In an old dog, if it’s a new thing, it can be a sign of something - so worth getting him checked out.

Morning @mondaytosunday No it's not on waking she doesn't hold it she just stretches out with her bum up but lays down. No throwing up and doesn't appear bloated so I'm not sure if its serious or not. Thanks

Hi @FromageTime my dog is 16 years old so more investigation I suppose, thank you.