14/08/2025
🚩 Ever noticed your dog sitting with their legs to the side instead of nice and straight underneath them? While it can look cute, it might be your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right.
🐒 Common reasons for a sloppy sit are stifle problems like luxating patella or ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (most common orthopaedic injury), hip or back pain and muscle weakness.
ℹ️ In the case of ruptured cruciate ligament - the leg that sticks out is usually the affected leg.
🐶 Puppies sometimes sit this way while they are still growing (but they should grow out of it!)
An occasional sloppy sit is normal, especially if sitting comfortably for longer periods. But if it’s your dog’s go-to position or they seem unable to hold a straight sit, it may be a sign they need some extra support.
