A vet has shared the adorable reason why dogs do a full-body stretch when they see you, and it's not always because they are sleepy or bored – in fact owners might want to take it as a compliment
Ever wonder why your dog stretches as soon as you walk in the door?
It's not just because they're waking up or bored. In fact, it's a gesture that dog owners should “take as a compliment”.
Since our furry friends can't chat with us, they rely on body language to show their feelings. By learning to read these cues, you can tell if your dog is feeling confident, chilled out, or anxious.
UK-based vet Dr Alex Crow, Chief Veterinary Officer at The Net Vet, says when your dog meets you with “front legs out, hips up, tail wagging,” it's a deliberate message.
On TikTok, he revealed this behavior isn't random but known as a greeting stretch. “It's more than just shaking off a nap. It's a sign that your dog feels safe, relaxed and happy that you're home,” he added.
Dr Alex also pointed out that while dogs might stretch to “loosen up stiff muscles”, doing it right when you come home means it's “intentional”. He also noted: “It's their version of a calm, friendly hello and if you've ever reacted to it with praise, you've probably reinforced it without realising.”
However, it's crucial to recognize that “not all stretches are about affection”. When their belly is dropped close to the floor, it “could be a sign of discomfort or pain”, so you should be alert.
Dr Alex suggests keeping “keep an eye” on their behavior and reaching out to your vet if something seems off, though he adds: “Most of the time though it's just your dog's way of saying hello.”
A pet parent reflected in the comments: “I always thought it was because they knew I was about to take them for a walk.”
Someone else joined the conversation: “Yes! Every morning when I go downstairs, he is laying in his bed waiting for me and when I open the door he jumps up and does the big stretch on my foot! Gets lots of scratches then picked up for cuddles and kisses. Boston Terrier.”
Another commenter observed: “The ‘big stretch' must be an international thing. We all say that in our native language, right? At least I do.”
The conversation also unveiled that cats show similar stretching habits.
According to Hill's Pet, our furry friends need to stretch just like us humans, whether after a long snooze or as a fun gesture.
Pets might also begin stretching when feeling bored or want attention, and at these times, a nice walk or playful interaction in the home or yard can do wonders.
However, excessive stretching could be a sign of muscle strain or joint pain, where your pet is trying to ease the discomfort in the affected area. If you notice your pet focusing on stretching one specific area more than usual and seems sluggish when moving, it might be an indication of arthritis or joint pain, which calls for a vet check-up.
The article also hints at a connection between abdominal issues and stretching but leaves the thought incomplete.
If a dog is suffering from abdominal discomfort, they may adopt a “praying” position with their hindquarters raised and their front end flat on the ground. They might hold this pose for a while, typically when no other dogs are around.
You might observe them whimpering in pain or showing reluctance to being touched. If they stretch or arch their back into a hunched posture, it could also suggest abdominal pain, which should be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian.
