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:
- Panosteitis, or growing pains
- Osteoarthritis or joint pain in senior dogs
- Ascites, or fluid in the abdomen
If a puppy is groaning, it could be a sign of growing pains. Photography ©fotojagodka | Thinkstock.
1. Panosteitis, or puppy growing pains
Growing pains, or panosteitis, 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’s bones grow faster than they can easily adjust to.
Moans and groans when lying down are one way he expresses discomfort. Dog groaning is the least remarkable symptom of this condition. You’re much more likely to see a puppy limping or favoring one leg or another. He’ll also yip or yelp if you touch the tender leg.
This issue can affect all puppies, especially German Shepherd Dogs, until they are fully grown, or around the age of 2. One good thing about growing pains is that they end when growing does.
Arthritis can cause groaning in dogs. Photography ©cynoclub | Getty Images.
2. Arthritis in dogs or joint pain in dogs
If your dog doesn’t 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 is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions a dog’s joints thins and wears down over time. This renders the most basic movements painful, and it’s frustrating and confusing for dogs who’ve been
active their whole lives.
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.
Activities that used to come easily — playing fetch or going up and down stairs, for instance — start requiring much more effort. You’ll also notice your dog licking, chewing or biting at joints that are giving him special trouble.
Dealing with your own aches and groans due to arthritis? Here’s how to relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms >>
Ascites or fluid in the abdomen can cause groaning in dogs. Photography ©stocknroll | Getty Images.
3. Ascites in dogs, or fluid in the abdomen
Ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen, is the most common medical reason why dogs groan when they lay themselves down. Trapped fluid causes dogs to vocalize as they struggle to get comfy.
Pressure on the lungs and stomach can also lead to difficulty breathing and regular vomiting. Most dogs love a good belly rub, but if your dog begins to shrink from your loving touch, he may be experiencing this issue.
Why does fluid pool inside a dog’s 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 or heart disease.
If your dog’s tummy appears suddenly swollen or distended, make an appointment with your vet.
The bottom line on dog groaning, moaning or sighing
We’ve 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 satisfaction from settling into their favorite spots.
For the most part, dog groaning, moaning, sighing and grunting are standard dog expressions. Moderation can keep your dog’s groans worry-free!
Prevent growing pains from being too severe by limiting your puppy’s exercise until he’s physically mature.
Overweight and obese dogs are at greater risk for joint pain, so give your dog small, regular meals and fewer treats. Too much of a good thing — roughhousing or food — can make joint, bone and internal problems worse then they need to be.
Tell us: Is your dog groaning, moaning or sighing when he lies down?
Thumbnail: Photography miodrag ignjatovic | Getty Images.
This post was originally published in 2016.
