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Dog whining, running, downward dog pose: Is it stomach or hip pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 25 lbs

Kira is whining and running around the house. She keeps liking one hip and doing the downward dog. We can't tell if it's a tummy issue or a pain in her hip.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Kira. Going down on her front legs with her bottom up in the air is most often a sign of abdominal pain and can be a cause for concern. You may be able to tell that her belly is bothering her if by pressing on the abdomen. If she continues this behavior it would be reason to seek veterinary care ASAP. It can be a sign of pancreatitis, a twisting of the stomach or intestines, an intestinal blockage, severe stomach ulcer, and more. If this behavior continues or she begins to vomit or retch, or becomes weak or pale, or begins breathing heavily I would recommend taking her in to the emergency vet.

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