What is Bloat?

As mentioned above, if your dog suddenly starts to eat lying down, you should bring him to the vet to rule out problems such as arthritis or joint pain. In the wild, dogs are often seen lying down why eating prey and domesticated dogs often enjoy a treat lying down.

Laying down is a natural posture for a dog to take while eating, arguably healthier than the typical standing posture. If your dog has suddenly changed their behavior and now exclusively eats laying down, it may be a sign of a health issue, but most of the time, laying down to eat is perfectly normal.

One possible reason your dog sits down to eat might also be one of the most simple explanations. Maybe it really is more comfortable. Your dog’s sitting could mean that he or she wants to “sit down to a good meal,” so to speak. Like humans, some dogs feel the need to relax at mealtime and sitting can be part of it.

German Shepherds lay down to eat as it’s a natural canine behavior previously used to protect their food against predators. Other reasons include tiredness, laziness, or old age. A few health issues can also be the cause, such as neck or pain, osteoarthritis, trouble swallowing, or being overweight.

1. Don’t use an elevated food bowl.
2. Don’t exercise for at least an hour before or after eating.
3. Slow down your dog’s eating.
4. Serve your dog multiple meals during the day in smaller portions.
5. Keep a simethicone product like Gas -x, Phazyme or Mylanta Gas in the house to initiate burping immediately.

Most of the time, something like sitting while eating is nothing to be concerned about. Some pups just enjoy sitting down for a good meal. It’s not necessarily a common behavior, but dogs generally do what they enjoy. If your dog tends to take his meals sitting down, it could just be a matter of personal preference.

Historically, canines were competitive scavengers who often had to protect the scarce food they could forage. Therefore, standing up while eating allows a dog to defend his prized sustenance.

Onions, Grapes, Beer, Nuts and All the Other Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat. Chocolate is one of the big dangers, but sugar-free gum, raw eggs and more make the list of dangerous human foods as well.

Eating while lying down is also a known risk factor of reflux esophagitis . It can also result in heartburn or GERD, a syndrome where the lower esophagus does not close off properly after swallowing. This usually allows the stomach and food acid to move up from the stomach into the esophagus.

If your dog has always been a picky eater, there is likely no need for concern. A picky dog that maintains a healthy weight, is alert and perky, and has a shiny coat, is much less worrisome than one who has dropped a few pounds and has a less lustrous coat.