Sometimes these kinds of disorders cause dogs to chew or lick themselves. The pesty parasites can cause irritation to the base of your dogs tail causing them to seem like they are chasing their tail when really they are just trying to bite their back end.
There happens to be much speculation as to why a dog will chase his tail.
Why does my dog like to chase his tail. Here are a few of the most common reasons why dogs chase their tails. Theyre having fun and being silly. This is especially common in puppies who are just beginning to explore the world and their.
People believe that tail chasing is an autistic behavior therefore they make the connection that vaccinations cause tail chasing which is not true If your dog is obsessively chasing his tail. Fleas and ticks are common reasons that your dog might chase their tail and biting their back end. The pesty parasites can cause irritation to the base of your dogs tail causing them to seem like they are chasing their tail when really they are just trying to bite their back end.
Possible Explanation for Tail-Chasing. There happens to be much speculation as to why a dog will chase his tail. Some say its a sign of boredom or excitement or a compulsive disorder.
An obsessive dog suffering from separation anxiety may chase his tail to help calm himself while his owner is gone. Or your dog may chase his tail when he feels overcome with anxiety when a stranger approaches the house or during a loud thunderstorm. Oftentimes dogs will chase their tails because they are a bit bored.
Its a way for them to have fun and expend some energy. This is especially true for puppies who may not even realize that their tail is actually a part of their body but see it as a toy. According to VCA Mission Animal Referral And Emergency Center older dogs may chase their tails due to a decreased awareness of their bodies.
When their minds are not as. If you have noticed your dog chasing his tail to the point that it interrupts normal life be sure to contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help figure out if your dog is trying to self soothe and may be able to make his life better with medications to avoid him needing to chase his tail.
Dog chasing tail can also be a sign of a behavioral problem these kinds of behavioral problems can come about for many reasons confinement physical abuse past injury or trauma separation anxiety and so on. Sometimes these kinds of disorders cause dogs to chew or lick themselves. In case your dog has compulsively been chasing his own tail he can cause serious.
A dog may chase its tail to alleviate boredom get attention or deal with discomfort in the area. Most experts think that dogs chase their tails also known as whirling for multiple reasons including boredom hyperactivity litter experience and the desire for attention. Like fast dogs use their tails for stability on land water dogs use it as a rudder when they are swimming.
They direct their tail to help steer. When a dog is swimming youll notice their tail straight out below the surface but then as soon as you encourage them to turn it will swing to help them change direction. A dog that has an itchy tail from parasites such as fleas or ticks might be more likely to chase their tail in an effort chew on the itchy spot.
While dogs are more likely to sit down and try to contort their body in a way to reach the itchy spot they may try chasing their tail at first. A dog suffering from separation anxiety may chase his tail like a nervous person bites his nails. Other dogs may chase their tail when over-excited by the presence of a visitor or an animal or bird in the yard.
Or a dog may bite his tail after an injury find that it is soothing and continue to. Recently the male dog started grabbing the females tail while they are running chasing each other. He uses her tail to bring her to the ground.
When the female goes down she still does not show signs that he doesnt want to play but we are wondering if this should be acceptable behavior. If your dog is incessantly biting his tail he may have some type of parasite infestation according to Dogster. Such parasites may take the forms of fleas ticks or worms or a combination of pests.
The base of the tail is an area along with the back of the head where fleas tend to congregate. Watching a dog chase her tail is undeniably entertaining but when she does it constantly it can get worrisome. Some dogs with anal gland problems flea allergic dermatitis or other medical issues have been known to chase their rear ends.
Sometimes albeit uncommonly tail-chasing is a sign of obsessive compulsive disorder. Boredom could be another reason why your dog chases its tail. Your pup will chase his tail for minutes as a way to entertain himself and expel pent-up energy.
It is a harmless behavior that will eventually stop when he gets tired and sleepy. If the tail chasing persists you will. The tail offers a built-in that goes everywhere she goes.
In cases a flick of the tail seen peripherally can spark the prey drive. If your puppy chases her tail after shes home with you and its not an on-cue trick the dogs likely lacking attention. Give your puppy lots of exercise love and toys to reduce the urge to chase her tail.