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Why is my dog sitting with butt in air and seems uncomfortable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 4 lbs

My dog seems really uncomfortable and she keeps sitting with her butt in the air.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

Aw, poor Honey. That posture indicates that her stomach is bothering her. A few things that can cause this are intestinal foreign body, gastritis, and bloat. If she's unable/unwilling to eat and rest, is vomiting, is very lethargic, or her gums look pale she needs to go to an emergency clinic right away (tonight). If she's otherwise totally normal (eating, resting a normal amount, playful, no vomiting or dry heaving, no diarrhea), you can probably wait until the morning, although going to the emergency clinic for an exam and abdominal x-rays would still be the safest choice. I hope that was helpful and that Honey is feeling better soon.

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19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, sorry to hear about Honey. It does look like she is uncomfortable and pain. This position is most commonly seen with abdominal pain such as that associated with pancreatitis. I would recommend having Honey evaluated by a veterinarian tonight to ensure she is not in severe pain. She may require bloodwork, an abdominal ultrasound, and hospitalization to treat her abdominal pain and any diseases associated with this. Other causes of abdominal pain should also be considered (kidney injury, gall bladder mucocele, GI pain) and could be ruled out with the above diagnostics. You may see signs of vomiting, a decreased appetite, loose stools, lethargy and worsening pain. If her pain persists, please have Honey evaluated promptly. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    15Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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