Our dogs do weird things sometimes, at least it can seem weird from our human perspective even if it makes perfect sense from the canine view. Sometimes, their behavior is concerning or confusing, and other times, it’s just amusing. “Splooting” can be one of those adorable amusements. Most of the time, it’s normal behavior and everything is fine. In some cases, it can be a sign of something else going on. What is splooting? Here’s what you need to know:

What is Splooting?

Although used and recognized by veterinarians and pet parents, “splooting” is a slang term. It is used to describe the position an animal is in when they lie on their stomach and stretch their back legs out behind them.

This position is referred to as a “sploot” or the “Superman stretch.” Splooting is also sometimes called frogging or pancaking. This term is often used for describing dogs and cats in the position, but has become more common for other four-legged animals when they are caught doing it as well.

Types of Splooting

Splooting generally breaks down into three positions or types of splooting – full, half, and side. The Superman sploot is just a fun bonus.

• Full Sploot – when both back legs are stretched out behind the body
• Half Sploot – when one back leg is stretched out behind the body while the other remains tucked up under the stomach
• Side Sploot – a half sploot where the back leg is stretched out to the side instead of straight behind the body
• Superman Sploot – a full sploot where the front legs are stretched out as well as if the dog were flying like Superman

Why Do Dogs Sploot?

Splooting is a common dog behavior and can be done for several different reasons. Here are a few potential reasons why dogs sploot:

1. It is Comfortable and Relaxing

Just as we might be relaxed and comfortable by stretching out, the same is true for dogs. Your dog might relax in a bunch of strange configurations. As long as it’s comfortable for them, it’s not a problem.

If your dog seems to sploot a lot, it could be that they just find that position particularly comfortable. It can even be dog body language that indicates comfort and a sign your dog is happy and content.

2. Your Dog Could Just Be Stretching

Sometimes, you just need a good stretch. Stiffness, tense muscles, and more can cause some discomfort and it feels really good to just stretch it out. For dogs, splooting can be a way to simply stretch out their legs to relieve muscle tension or stiff joints or reduce pressure on their joints. This usually isn’t a cause for concern unless you see consistent stiffness or other signs your dog is in pain.

3. They May Be Cooling Off

Dogs regulate their temperature differently than we do. On hot days or after some exercise, your dog will be panting to cool down. They may also sploot to stretch out and better disperse some of that excess heat by increasing their surface area.

This is particularly true when they sploot against a cooler surface like shaded grass or a hard-surface floor. If it’s warmer outside or inside and you notice your dog panting and splooting, make sure they have access to water so they can stay hydrated. If you’re outside and it’s not necessary to head back inside yet, you can hose them down if they like water to help keep your dog cool.

When to be Concerned About Splooting

Most of the time, splooting is just cute and nothing to be concerned about. But, if your dog is splooting and you see other signs of discomfort or pain, then it is a cause for concern. Although some things are symptoms you should never ignore in your dog, others can easily be overlooked if you’re not thinking about it.

Look over your dog and see if you can determine what is going on. Either way, call your vet. They can advise you on immediate next steps and make an appointment so they can examine your dog. Splooting can be a cause for concern when paired with things like:

• Limping
• Lameness
• Consistent stiffness
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Reluctance to walk up or down stairs
• Refusal to jump up into or down from a car
• Loss of appetite
• Disinterest in walks, exercise, games, toys, etc.
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Panting

This is just a quick overview of splooting. Again, in most cases, it’s perfectly normal behavior and you can enjoy the smile you get when your dog does it. It’s only when you see splooting combined with other concerning symptoms or behaviors that you should worry and contact your vet. Otherwise, enjoy the sploot! Give it a try yourself some time; you might like doing it too.