Sometimes called "frog dogs" or "silly stretching," splooting is always adorable but occasionally concerning.
Dogs are known for being goofy and not caring when they look silly, and splooting is an adorable example of dogs just being dogs. Going "full sploot" is a kind of stretch that is so popular with dogs and loved by humans that somewhere down the line, someone decided to give the unique movement a name. Affectionate dog breeds of all shapes and sizes are known to lay flat on their bellies, but there are times where your dog may be splooting to relieve pain in their lower bodies. Read on to learn more about this silly act!
Why Do Dogs Sploot?
Splooting is when a dog lays on its belly with its hind legs in a full-body stretch out behind them. It looks like they're flying through the air like SuperDog, or maybe they're so tired from that game of fetch that those legs now have a mind of their own. It's a move often associated with Corgi puppies, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Pitbulls, but every breed of dog can be a splooter. It's prominent among German Shepherds and Labradors that lay flat for a good stretch. Dogs may also sploot on a hot day to press their bellies closer to the cooler floor, pavement or shaded grass to help lower their body temperature.
There's no known scientific reason why some dogs like to it, but it's most likely because stretching their back legs is simply a comfortable position.
Is Splooting Bad For Dogs?
However, there are times when splooting may be a sign of canine hip dysplasia. In some cases, dogs may be suffering from this ailment, which happens when the hip joint no longer sits correctly in the hip socket; dogs will lay flat to relieve the pressure. Dog owners who notice their dogs laying down with frog legs too often, in conjunction with limping or trouble walking, should consult a veterinarian.
If you're still not convinced that splooting is incredibly adorable, here are a few examples shared on social media.
Popular around the globe, say hello to the "Frenchie Sploot"
Pit Bulls are famous for being expert splooters
The best splooting spot in the house
Behold! The almighty Corgi Sploot
Now that you know exactly what this is, be on the lookout in case your dog takes on your new favorite type of stretch. And don't forget to have your camera ready! A good full or half sploot is the perfect excuse to post yet another picture of your dog's cuteness to Instagram.
Does your dog sploot? Show them off at our Wide Open Pets Instagram!
This article was originally published August 25, 2017.
