Why Does My Dog Chase His Tail?
Dogs are adorable creatures with plenty of quirks. Chasing the tail is perhaps one of the most known things they do. In reality, though, it’s not such a common occurrence as one may think. Dogs with short tails, or with their tails docked, rarely chase their tails. Some dogs don’t even do it at all.
Chasing tails is certainly entertaining, but there are cases where it could be a cause for concern. Therefore, let’s find out the answer to “Why does my dog chase his tail?” and see whether you can do something about it.
Your Dog Is Bored
One of the most common reasons why dogs chase their tails is because they are bored. If your dog does not have enough mental or physical stimulation, he will likely start to chase his tail out of boredom. If you think your dog is chasing his tail out of boredom, the solution is simple: give him more attention and provide more opportunities for exercise. This could involve playing fetch with him in the park or teaching him new tricks.
Your Dog Is Chasing His Tail Because of Genetics
Some canines are simply born with a predisposition to chase their tails. This behavior is often seen in herding and hunting breeds, as they were bred to do just that – chase. It doesn’t necessarily mean each and every hunting or herding dog will do that, but in the case of these breeds the reason may be just that.
Your Dog Has a Medical Condition
If your pup is suddenly chasing his tail more than usual, it could be a sign of a medical condition such as allergies, parasites, or even neurological problems. Pay attention and look out for them chewing their tail. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, be sure to take him to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Your Dog Has an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If your dog is fixated on chasing his tail to the point where it interferes with his daily life, he may have compulsive disorder. If your dog has OCD, the best course of action is to take him to the vet or a behavioral specialist. They will be able to help you create a treatment plan that will help your dog cope with his compulsive disorder.
Your Dog Thinks There’s Something on His Tail
Another reason why your dog might be chasing his tail is because he thinks there’s something on it, such as a flea or tick. If your dog is constantly scratching at his tail or seems to be in discomfort, be sure to check for any parasites. If you think your dog is chasing his tail because there’s something on it, the best course of action is to take him to the vet. The vet will be able to determine if there are any parasites or other medical conditions that could be causing your dog discomfort.
Your Dog Is Chasing His Tail for Attention
Why does my dog chase his tail? For some dogs, chasing their tail may be a sign to get their owners’ attention. If you have been ignoring your dog, or he isn’t getting enough exercise, this could be the reason why he’s chasing his tail. Throw him a ball or a stick to distract him, and then provide the much-needed attention.
Should I Discourage My Dog From Chasing His Tail?
While it may be tempting to discourage your dog from chasing his tail, it’s important to remember that this is a natural behavior for dogs. Unless your dog is doing it excessively or hurting himself in the process, there’s no need to worry. And if he does, you should consult a vet or a behaviorist first. Gentle discouraging shouldn’t do any harm, but if the cause of chasing is a medical condition then you may cause your dog additional stress.
Can My Dog Hurt Himself While Chasing His Tail?
In most cases, chasing his tail is harmless fun for your dog. However, if your dog is chasing his tail excessively, or his tail seems to be a painful area, it’s important to get him checked out by a vet. Excessive tail chasing can lead to injuries, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Moreover, if there is something on his tail, like a bug or a thistle, he may be tempted to bite into it, so make sure to stop him; and if the thing is stuck only to his fur, remove it yourself. If the bug has bitten into the dog, or he has something stuck to his skin, it’s best to take him to the vet.
Dogs Chasing Tails – FAQs
That’s it, now you know the answer to the “Why is my dog chasing his tail?” question. However, if you need some more information, you will find some frequently asked questions about dogs chasing their tails below.
Q: Does every dog chase his tail?
A: No, not every dog chases his tail. This behavior is more common in certain breeds, such as herding and hunting dogs.
Q: Why do some dogs chase their tails more than others?
A: The reasons why some dogs chase their tails more than others are largely unknown. It could be due to genetics, boredom, or a medical condition.
Q: Is there anything I can do to stop my dog from chasing his tail?
A: If your dog is chasing his tail excessively or hurting himself in the process, you may want to discourage this behavior. However, in most cases, there’s no need to worry about it.
Q: Do dogs chase other dogs’ tails?
A: Dogs may chase other dogs’ tails if they are playing or if they are trying to catch something. However, this behavior is not as common as dogs chasing their own tails.
Q: What should I do if my dog won’t stop chasing his tail?
A: If your dog is excessively chasing his tail or hurting himself in the process, you may want to take him to the vet or a behavioral specialist. They will be able to help you create a treatment plan that will help your dog cope with his behavior.
Q: Is it normal for puppies to chase their tails?
A: Yes, it is perfectly normal for puppies to chase their tails. This behavior usually stops as they get older. However, some dogs may continue to chase their tails into adulthood.
Why does my dog chase his tail? You already know! Thanks for reading.
