Dogs do chase their tails. But, is it anything to worry about? Well, you’ll conclude when I take you through the primary reasons that make dogs to chase their own tails. Tail-chasing is a habit peculiar to dogs. Often times, you see your dog or a dog in the neighborhood obsessed with it. This can be problematic if it becomes an obsession. Don’t panic, you’ll learn from this piece why they do tail-chasing and what it may mean per time. Also, you’ll know what to do when such occurs.
On a general note, dogs chase their own tails when they experience boredom. They do so as a way of catching fun and as a way of using up stored energy. Puppies are fond of this more often. There’s a likelihood that puppies don’t know their tail is a part of their body and that it cannot be detached. I imagine it appears like a toy to them. Don’t forget that dogs are social animals that relate well amongst themselves. They can also live with humans.
Table of Contents
Why Do Dogs Do That?
Attention
Pets are good attention-seekers, especially dogs since they live with us. If there is a good bond between you and your dog, you may have to give it attention often whenever it desires it. When a dog likes you, it can chase its tail, as a sign that it wants your attention. You need to know that, that dog can smell when you’re close by.
Boredom
Just like humans, dogs can experience boredom. This is peculiar to puppies since they are very young and they enjoy catching fun. Old dogs too get tired too soon, especially when there are no friendly dogs around to play with, or when the owner doesn’t play with it. So, your dog can chase its tail, as a way of staying busy and engaged.
There’s a Problem
Sometimes, things may not seem as simple as you envisaged them. You might be thinking it is something minor. Tail-chasing can result from cases like injury or any form of discomfort such as skin irritation. More so, insect bites from fleas can be the problem. It can also be an anal gland problem. As for anal gland problem, if the anal part of your dog is swollen or inflamed, your dog might be trying so hard using its mouth to ease things. That might prove abortive. It could also hurry or try to smell or lick secretions from the rear. It finally ends up chasing its tail.
Compulsive Disorder
Dogs have this behavioral disorder. It emanates from issues or reasons like physical abuse, confinement, trauma or past injury, fear, separation and so on. This disorder can get bad! They can chase their tails until they catch up with it and bite it so profoundly. As a result, many dogs experience hair loss in their tail region.
Genetics / Breed
From research studies, some breed of dogs to chase their tails than others. Breeds like Shepherds, Cattle Dogs and Terriers often do that, perhaps because it is genetic. Genetics can explain this better, but if you own any of these breeds, expect the tail-chasing episodes.
Age
Puppies will always behave like puppies. Since they are very young, agile and energetic, they tend to be very playful and can device all play styles, one of which is chasing their tails. More so, their ignorance as infants makes them do so more often, not knowing their tail is actually theirs.
Excessive Energy
Excessive build-up of energy can be disturbing sometimes, in dogs, as well as in humans; hence, the need to use it arises. Dogs can get really energetic and vibrant more often, mainly when you feed them with the right combination of meal that is appropriate for building energy.
Anxiety
This is a psychological issue. Dogs too can get really scared or disturbed. It could be because of an uneventful happening in the past or open threats from real life-threatening wild animals or humans. This can get your dog âconditioned’ to chasing its tail if it finds calmness and relief doing it. You need to attend to this early, else, it can result in a registered rude behavior.
Medical Conditions
Your dog can chase its tail as a result of some neurological conditions. Although, not frequent, but rare and severe cases can be as a result of dormant epilepsy, or sometimes as a symptom indicating a seizure. If this is the case, consider getting your dog proper medical treatment, to cure the illness.
Cognitive Issues
You need to know that your dog can chase its tail, or even chew it as a result of cognitive issues. It could be as a symptom of cognitive dysfunction which can be a potential sign of dementia. This case is often observed in old dogs, and it calls for prompt medical attention.
Hormonal Imbalances
Sometimes, animals may experience an interruption in the regular flow or amount or release of hormones (for reasons beyond this scope). This can lead to irregularities in the behaviors observed in animals, such as dogs; one of these behaviors can be to chase their tails. In this case, blood-work annuls the possibility of it.
Tail-chasing Diagnosis
The case of dogs chasing their tails can correct itself naturally, if it results from non-severe cases or non-harmful reasons mentioned earlier, like attention, use of stored-up energy, age, and boredom. For other severe or harmful cases, the intervention of a Veterinary Doctor is often required. But, note that, if the tail-chasing episode is more than twice a day or almost every day in a week, consult a specialist.
Recommended Control Measures
Engage your dogs with activities. Keep them busy with recommended non-harmful toys that can draw and keep their attention. This distracts them from the tail-chasing behavior. Talk to your vet about it, if it eventually seems to bother you alone. His expertise might just be the key to solving the problem. Increase your dog’s exercise, Let it play hard and long enough. This expends its energy. After such periodic rigorous training, rest assured the next thing is deep sleep and hunger.
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