{"id":6941,"date":"2020-08-04T20:00:12","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T20:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/petdedicated.com\/?p=6941"},"modified":"2020-08-04T20:00:12","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T20:00:12","slug":"why-do-dogs-groan-when-they-lie-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petdedicated.com\/?p=6941","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Dogs Groan When They Lie Down?"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

The post Why Do Dogs Groan When They Lie Down?<\/a> by Melvin Pe\u00f1a<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n

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Aside from being an expression of delight and well-earned rest after a day of patrolling the living room, digging up your garden or barking at squirrels, why do dogs groan when they lie down? There are three medical conditions that can cause dog groaning; one is most common in puppies, a second in older dogs, and the last can affect dogs at any age. These are:<\/p>\n

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  1. Panosteitis, or\u00a0growing pains<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Osteoarthritis or joint pain in senior dogs<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Ascites, or fluid in the abdomen<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"A<\/p>\n

    If a puppy is groaning, it could be a sign of growing pains. Photography \u00a9fotojagodka | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    1. Panosteitis, or puppy growing pains<\/a><\/h3>\n

    Growing pains, or panosteitis<\/a>, can be as tough on puppies as they are on human children. This is particularly true of larger dog breeds. Also known as pano in dogs, this is an awkward and painful condition that occurs when a puppy\u2019s bones grow faster than they can easily adjust to.<\/p>\n

    Moans and groans when lying down are one way he expresses discomfort. Dog groaning is the least remarkable symptom of this condition. You\u2019re much more likely to see a puppy limping<\/a> or favoring one leg or another. He\u2019ll also yip or yelp if you touch the tender leg.<\/p>\n

    This issue can affect all puppies,\u00a0especially German Shepherd Dogs<\/a>, until they are fully grown, or around the age of 2. One good thing about growing pains is that they end when growing does.<\/p>\n

    \"Dog<\/p>\n

    Arthritis can cause groaning in dogs. Photography \u00a9cynoclub | Getty Images.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    2. Arthritis in dogs\u00a0<\/a>or joint pain in dogs<\/h3>\n

    If your dog doesn\u2019t have a history of groaning when he lies down, and only takes up the habit as he ages, there might be a greater cause for concern. Osteoarthritis<\/a> is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions a dog\u2019s joints thins and wears down over time. This renders the most basic movements painful, and it\u2019s frustrating and confusing for dogs who\u2019ve been
    \nactive their whole lives.<\/p>\n

    Joint pain in aging dogs can even make the simple acts of getting up and lying down more difficult. As with growing pains, groaning is a symptom but not the most alarming.<\/p>\n

    Activities that used to come easily \u2014 playing fetch or going up and down stairs, for instance \u2014 start requiring much more effort. You\u2019ll also notice your dog licking, chewing<\/a> or biting at joints that are giving him special trouble.<\/p>\n

    Dealing with your own aches and groans due to arthritis?\u00a0Here\u2019s how to relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms >><\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    \"Dog<\/p>\n

    Ascites or fluid in the abdomen can cause groaning in dogs. Photography \u00a9stocknroll | Getty Images.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    3. Ascites in dogs, or fluid in the abdomen<\/h3>\n

    Ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen, is the most common medical reason why dogs\u00a0groan when they lay themselves down. Trapped fluid causes dogs to vocalize as they struggle to get comfy.<\/p>\n

    Pressure on the lungs and stomach can also lead to difficulty breathing<\/a> and regular vomiting<\/a>. Most dogs love a good belly rub, but if your dog begins to shrink from your loving touch, he may be experiencing this issue.<\/p>\n

    Why does fluid pool inside a dog\u2019s body? In puppies, it can be caused by accidental injury, like bumping into furniture or fences, during excited play. Older dogs might develop ascites from other conditions, such as kidney or liver damage, cancer<\/a> or heart disease.<\/p>\n

    If your dog\u2019s tummy appears suddenly swollen or distended, make an appointment with your vet.<\/p>\n

    The bottom line on dog groaning, moaning or sighing<\/h3>\n

    We\u2019ve all had the experience of sitting down at the end of a workday and uttering a long sigh or groan of relief. Our dogs might not be gainfully employed, but they take just as much\u00a0satisfaction from settling into their favorite spots.<\/p>\n

    For the most part, dog groaning, moaning, sighing and grunting are\u00a0standard dog expressions. Moderation can keep your dog\u2019s groans worry-free!<\/p>\n

    Prevent growing pains from being too severe by limiting your puppy\u2019s exercise until he\u2019s physically mature.<\/p>\n

    Overweight<\/a> and obese dogs<\/a> are at greater risk for joint pain, so give your dog small, regular meals and fewer treats. Too much of a good thing \u2014 roughhousing or food \u2014 can make joint, bone and internal problems worse then they need to be.<\/p>\n

    Tell us:<\/strong> Is your dog groaning, moaning or sighing when he lies down?<\/p>\n

    Thumbnail: Photography miodrag ignjatovic<\/a> | Getty Images.<\/em><\/p>\n

    This post was originally published in 2016.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    Read Next: <\/strong>Could Grain-Free Diets Cause Issues for Dogs?<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n