{{Short description|Neologism for animal posture}} thumb|A splooting dog {{Redirect-for|Pancaking|the structural failure phenomenon|progressive collapse}} '''Splooting''' is lying in a spread-legged, prone posture. It is typically performed by four-legged mammals such as dogs and squirrels when they wish to relax or cool down. It may also be known as '''frogging''' or '''pancaking'''.{{r|rd}}
==Behavior and function== Dogs may adopt this position to relax, stretch, or to relieve pressure on the spine. It is especially easy and natural for young, flexible dogs and dogs with short legs such as corgis.{{r|rd}}
Because dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently by sweating,<ref>{{cite web|author=Anna Burke |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Do Dogs Sweat? |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-sweat/ |publisher=American Kennel Club}}</ref> they may use this position to cool their bodies by hugging a cold surface such as stone or tile.{{r|rd}}
Other animals that have been observed splooting include squirrels, bears, cats, rabbits, raccoons and marmots.{{r|g|sm}}
==Gallery== <gallery mode="traditional"> File:Squirrel Splooting 1 2022-10-08.jpeg|A squirrel splooting on the pavement File:Chairman Meow Bao.jpg|upright|A splooting white Siberian cat </gallery>
==See also== *Proning *Catloaf
==References== <references>
<ref name=rd>{{citation |url=https://www.rd.com/article/dog-splooting/ |title=Why Do Dogs Sploot? Veterinarians Explain the Cute Canine Behavior |author=Lisa Marie Conklin |date=6 July 2023 |work=Reader's Digest}}</ref> <ref name=sm>{{citation |title=Why Are Squirrels 'Splooting' on Hot Days? |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-are-squirrels-splooting-on-hot-days-180982480/ |journal=Smithsonian |author=Sarah Kuta|date=July 5, 2023|accessdate=August 8, 2023}}</ref> <ref name=g>{{citation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/11/city-tells-new-yorkers-dont-panic-about-splooting-squirrels |title=City tells New Yorkers: don't panic about 'splooting' squirrels |author=Matthew Cantor |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 August 2022}}</ref>
</references>
Category:Mammal behavior Category:2012 neologisms
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