
Have you ever noticed your dog often standing still, not moving at all? This behavior might look harmless but it can be a sign that something important is going on with your furry friend.
If you notice your dog frequently standing still and not moving, it might indicate a range of health issues.
Conditions such as low blood sugar, heart problems, or hormonal imbalances like Addison’s or Cushing’s disease can make your dog lethargic and inactive.
Joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia can cause pain that makes movement difficult. Cognitive issues similar to dementia might make them seem disoriented, and anxiety could cause them to freeze up.
If your dog also shows other signs such as limping, appetite loss, or confusion, it’s important to consult a vet.
Keep reading to discover the many reasons behind this behavior and learn how you can help your dog when they need it most.
1. Medical Causes
When your dog stands still in one spot, it could be a sign of underlying health issues. Here are possible medical conditions that might cause your dog to exhibit this behavior.
Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can make your dog feel lethargic or weak which causes it to stand still or be unable to move effectively.
Puppies, small dogs and malnourished dogs are more at risk of experiencing hypoglycemia.
Symptoms also include:
- Trembling
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Seizures
Liver Or Kidney Disease
If your dog has an existing liver or kidney disease, it might not be able to filter toxins out of its blood properly.
This can affect the brain and change its behavior.
Portosystemic shunt is a medical condition that can be either congenital or acquired. Blood from the abdominal organs bypasses the liver and enters directly into the systemic circulation.
As a result, toxins, proteins and other nutrients that should be broken down by the liver circulate unchecked throughout the body.
This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as standing still or appearing confused, ataxia and seizures.
Certain breeds are more predisposed to this disease including:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Old English Sheepdogs
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Beagles.
Low Oxygen Supply To The Brain
If your dog has heart disease or high blood pressure, it might not be getting enough oxygen to its brain. This can cause your dog to be less active or seem unresponsive, often just standing still.
Keep an eye out for other signs like coughing, trouble breathing or pale gums.
Hormonal Imbalances Affecting Behavior
Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect your dog’s behavior. When the body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, it can lead to changes in energy levels, mood and overall activity.
Common disorders include:
- Addison’s Disease: This condition results from insufficient production of hormones by the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms like lethargy and muscle weakness.
- Cushing’s Disease: Caused by an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This can lead to increased appetite, frequent urination, reduced activity level
- Hypothyroidism: This is a thyroid gland disorder in which the thyroid gland produces low levels of thyroid hormone which can slow metabolism and affect physical activity.
2. Joint Issues
Joint issues in dogs can often lead them to exhibit unusual behaviors, such as standing still in one spot. This behavior might be due to discomfort or pain in their joints, making movement difficult or painful.
Here are some common joint issues that dogs can face.
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
The discs between the vertebrae are there to act as shock absorbers. When the intervertebral discs degenerate, they lose their function, may herniate and this leads to the compression of the spinal cord.
This can cause pain and discomfort in the dog’s legs and back which makes walking or evening standing difficult.
Such pain and discomfort can cause your dog to yelp out randomly in pain.
Symptoms can range from abnormal posture, tremors limb weakness, to urinary incontinence and in severe cases complete paralysis.
Dogs that are very active, boisterous or old are more at risk of getting IVDD. Active dogs tend to jump and run a lot more than your average house dog which puts more stress on their back and spine.
Breeds like Basset Hounds, Dachshunds and Shih-Tzus can develop this condition at a young age.
If you have a senior dog, you need to be more careful when it comes to putting too much physical strain on your dog. Their joints and bones aren’t as strong as before.
Dogs with this condition must recuperate at home and not engage in strenuous activities. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup and pain meds.
Hip Dysplasia
It should be mentioned that it is a genetically inherited disease with some breeds like German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers being more prone to it. T
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in older dogs and large dog breeds like the Great Dane, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers.
The primary problem is the hip joint laxity, which leads to instability of the joint and when secondary osteoarthritis develops, the dogs start showing clinical signs.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia:
- Limping
- Cracking sounds from joints
- Trouble standing
- Have trouble getting on and off elevated places
Canine obesity is also a frequent cause of hip dysplasia in many dogs.
A study has shown that puppies that are allowed to eat as much as possible when young, have a much greater chance of getting hip dysplasia as they get older.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition in dogs that causes inflammation and pain in their joints. It often occurs to older dogs but can also be caused by joint injuries, obesity, or genetic factors
Larger breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are at risk due to their size and genetic predispositions.
However, any dog can develop arthritis over time.
The symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- Limping
- Difficulty moving
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Stiffness
3. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

As dogs get older, there is a risk of having a mental condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It causes a decline in how well they can think, remember and stay aware of their surroundings.
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome will show these symptoms:
- Getting lost in familiar settings
- Dog staring aimlessly at things
- Unable to carry out normal tasks
- Doesn’t respond when called
- Difficulty sleeping
- More anxious than usual
While there’s no cure, changes in diet, keeping your dog’s mind active and sometimes medication can help control the symptoms and keep your dog happier.
4. Anxiety Or Fear
Anxiety or fear can make a dog stand still and not move. This might happen because of loud noises like fireworks, being in a new place or changes at home.
Past bad experiences or not having enough social time with other people and pets can also make dogs anxious.
When dogs are scared or anxious, they might freeze up, bark a lot or try to hide. These are ways they try to handle feeling stressed or scared.
When Should I Be Concerned?
It’s important to know when a dog standing still is a sign of a serious issue. You should be concerned if you notice this behavior along with other unusual signs like limping, loss of appetite, confusion or changes in sleeping patterns.
If your dog is standing still more often or for longer periods than usual, it could be a warning of pain or discomfort.
I would strongly recommend taking your dog to the vet for a check just to be safe.

Nora is a passionate writer with a love for books, animals, and gardening.
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I have a 12 yo Maltese/Shihtzu! He has this new sign; just standing still, motionless for about 30 min!
Tonight he is doing this again then goes off and sits quietly by himself!
It’s unusual for him; he always wants to be sitting with me!
He has always been healthy and such a joy; I’m very concerned for him!
It could just be a new quirk of his. But if he is showing other signs of distress, please take him to the vet asap.