Positions
Positions, or postures, are how your pet stands, sits or lays – and for how long.
In veterinary medicine, stationary positions may provide a significant clue to the health and wellbeing of your pet. Pets don’t tell us when they feel bad or are in pain. Yet, they are creatures of habit. They like to rest and lay in typical postures in specific locations.
Therefore, monitoring and learning this routine and finding deviations from it may help in the early detection of health changes or the emergence of pain.
Continuous measurement of your pet’s positions gives clinicians and caregivers important insights into health status.
For example, joint disease is very common in older dogs. Cartilage erosion and degenerative changes develop slowly and gradually over time and are often accompanied by pain and discomfort. Owners often don’t notice the early changes or attribute their pet’s slowing down to age.
Monitoring the frequency and amount of time your pet spends in each posture may reveal mild early changes and pain associated with a degenerative joint disease. Changes in your pet’s routine can be measured, analyzed, and used to alert owners or veterinarians.
Related:
What These 7 Sleeping Positions Tell You About Your Dog Personality
