Why is my dog sitting weirdly?
One of the primary reasons why dogs sit weirdly is because of issues in their hips. This can be due to a past injury, joint problems, or weakness in their muscles and other tissues. Dogs could also have learned a wrong sitting posture, which should be corrected so as not to cause hip problems.
Is it safe for dogs to sit weirdly on hard surfaces?
If your dog is sitting weirdly, you might want to check if they’re experiencing hip problems.
Canines are supposed to sit upright with their hind legs neatly tucked under them. Generally, if your furry friend isn’t sitting upright correctly, they might suffer from chronic health issues and should be checked out by your vet.
This article will discuss some potential causes of your pup sitting weirdly.
Past injuries
Most canines are active and will most likely have an action-packed day. They typically love to run around, chase after toys, and jump up on your couches if they get the zoomies.
Working dog breeds are even a few steps further - they have all the energy to run after cattle and fight off potential predators. These activities, while typical for dogs, can still cause them to have injuries, especially if they don’t have the proper nutrition to supply their needs.
One of the most common injuries dogs have is sprains. They acquire this from overextending their hind legs from excessive running and jumping.
Some of the symptoms of sprain in dogs include:
- Limping.
- Stiffness.
- Unwillingness to move.
- Painful reaction when touched.
All of these can result in your dog sitting weirdly.
Joint problems
Painful joints and ligaments are also a primary reason dogs sometimes sit uncomfortably.

Either of the following can cause joint issues:
- Aging.
- Obesity.
- Genetics.
- Poor nutrition.
- Developmental problems.
However, these can all be avoided if you give your dogs proper nutrition and enough exercise.
Food supplements specifically made for dogs can also be bought to help make their joints stronger and have better longevity.
Some dog owners also massage their dogs or take them to visit certified animal physical therapists.
Weak muscle tissues
Wrong sitting posture in dogs can also stem from having a weak muscular system.
If your pup’s muscles in their hind leg and hip area are weak, they tend to be unstable and can cause an imbalance in their stride.
Other symptoms of weak hind muscles in dogs include:
- Shaking.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Extremely hunched back.
- Difficulty walking up stairs.
Muscle weakness also translates to having a wobbly sitting position that causes poor posture. This can also lead to more hip-related issues in dogs if they don’t receive the proper treatment for their muscle imbalance and weaknesses.
Frequent visits to animal therapists and supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine can help restore your pup’s natural muscle mass.