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My dog is crouching, won't eat, and hiding. Why is he acting strange?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 110 lbs

My dog has been acting strange for a few hours, he keeps crouching like his front half down and bum up as though he's stretching but he'll just sit that way for ages. He's refusing to eat which is very concerning because he's a very stomach driven dog. He's also wedging himself into a corner, he's normally very cuddly and he just sits in the corner on the opposite side of the room and looks very sad . Please help us

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. Praying stance (like the one in the picture) is sometimes related with cranial abdominal discomfort/pain and presence of foreign body in the stomach/first part of the intestine or pancreas inflammation.
The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence last for more than 24hours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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