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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Groaning

14 replies

MrsMorrisey · 09/10/2022 11:27

I have a six year old male kelpie x who has recently started groaning when he lies down.
A quick google says ascites which I don't believe is the case as he is happy and healthy.
Does anyone else's dog groan a lot?

OP posts:
Twinstudy · 09/10/2022 11:46

Ours does but he always has done and I've always assumed it's a contented, ah it's nice to be lying down type of groan. Like that noise you sometimes make you sit down after a long day (well I do anyway😁).

If it's new behaviour though it could be something else so probably worth a vet check

Original poster
MrsMorrisey · 09/10/2022 11:49

Yes he does seem content so maybe I'm overthinking it a bit but you never want to think I've missed something in their care.
He's just so loved by us all.
I actually find the groaning endearing in a way and we all say his name affectionately when he does it.

OP posts:
KendrickLamaze · 09/10/2022 11:56

My dog does it but has always done it. More of a grumble/growl at the ground as he's so very miserable.

I think a change in behaviour could warrant a visit to the vets. However, if he has normal mobility and doesn't have anywhere he doesn't want you to touch, it could just be he's old and sore like us all.

Toomanysleepycats · 09/10/2022 12:20

The first symptom my dog made when she became ill was making noises when she went to sit/lay down. I can’t remember if it was groaning or whimpers, I know it wasn’t a big noise, but it was a new noise. She was 10 yrs.

Long story short, she had a type of cancer which robs the bones. The vet rang me when she went in overnight for tests to say she had healing rib fractures!
She asked me if there had been any incident that could have caused them, I had a horrible moment when I thought she might be thinking I’d ill treated my dog. She then explained it could easily have happened with boisterous play.

Long story short (again), she had treatment, took extra calcium, seemed to be in remission and died when she was 14. (Reasonable age for her size.)

So I’m guess I’m saying, really watch her carefully for a while and take her to the vet if it’s a new thing.

Toomanysleepycats · 09/10/2022 12:24

Forgot to add that was the only symptom she had, everything else seemed as normal.

Most likely your dog is fine, or it will be something minor. But I am just so thankful I took her to the vet as soon as I noticed this.

Spudlet · 09/10/2022 12:28

Mine’s always done this when lying by the fire… I take it as an ‘Oh my god, this is the life’ sort of noise as he roasts himself (nicking all the bloody heat from us I might add!).

However if it’s new and it concerns you, you could always get the vet to have a quick look.

mountainsunsets · 09/10/2022 13:56

Our dog has always been like this and it's normal for him.

However, if this is new behaviour it's worth getting a check-up to put your mind at rest. It could just be a touch of arthritis which requires a low-dose of painkillers or some joint supplements.

Original poster
MrsMorrisey · 10/10/2022 02:17

Interesting as he does have some arthritic pain in his hips as he is crossed with a German Shepherd which I know are prone to hip issues.
He is on a healthy diet of sardines a few times a week, an egg and a good quality dry food.
He has fresh meat or chicken occasionally.
Thank you all.

OP posts:
HairyMcLarie · 10/10/2022 02:26

Mine does a deep rumbly groan when she's comfy. She's only 1 though and she's always done it and it's after she's been down for a while.

If new for your dog I'd get it checked.

LINABE · 10/10/2022 03:39

Please, just get him checked at the Vet.

AndTwoFilmsByFrancoisTruffaut · 10/10/2022 04:20

My dog has always done this. He is a v vocal dog and likes to let us know how happy / pissed off he is. He groans when he gets comfy with sheer contentment but will also groan if we move him (he’s a bed hogger). Anything new and I’d be straight to the vets.

summergone · 10/10/2022 05:30

@MrsMorrisey I have a kelpie x too ! ( mines crossed with a lab ) great dogs aren't they ! Mine is only 1 but my old one would give a sigh when she lay down a bit like when I get into bed after a long day 😀🐾

Whoneedsleep · 10/10/2022 06:11

We have a GSD x who groans every time he lies down, it’s gradually got worse as he’s aged (he’s 13 now!)

Turns out it’s pain related, he’s riddled in arthritis in his hips, carpus and spine. It’s significantly reduced now he’s on pain relief but it’s still worse if he’s cold or he’s done too much exercise.

Some dogs just do it but it can be a sign of something being sore as it hurts when they get up or down.

Orangesare · 10/10/2022 06:19

We’ve got a lab that groans. He’s always done it, doesn’t really bark unless he’s dreaming, would never growl but groans a lot.

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