Any guesses what could be wrong with our dog’s leg/hip?

[firstbaby]

We have a puppy/dog that is about 17 months old. He’s medium build (about 70 lbs) lab/shepherd mix. Over the last few days, we’ve noticed he is hesitant to sit and will go right to laying down. He CAN sit, but when he does his leg/knee will be placed further out to the side versus tucked under him like the other side. He runs and walks normally. We have an appointment with the vet next week. Any guesses what this might be? He’s our first fur baby.

[mmsmom]

That is called a “puppy sit”. It’s a lazy way of sitting but not great for their hips. When they are young and sit that way you are supposed to correct it by tucking that hip in or having them stand and sit again. Usually they outgrow it. But if your dog is just starting to do it now there may be something that is bothering him. Hopefully the vet can figure it out.

[Kestrel]

It could be a sprain, especially in a young dog. They do the "splits" and strain the hip tendon, and it's tender for a couple/three days but gets better on it's own with rest. While it's possible it's something more serious, most likely it's very minor.