The common sight of a dog chasing its tail has left many wondering about the reasons behind this behavior. Dog owners likely observed their furry friend engaging in this activity, ranging from the occasional playful chase to more intense, seemingly obsessive spinning.
In most cases, occasional tail chasing is harmless and part of normal behavior. However, persistent and obsessive tail chasing might indicate an underlying health issue in dogs, prompting the need for veterinary attention.
Puppy Tail Chasing Linked to Fun, Boredom, and Health Issues
Chasing their own tails is a common behavior in dogs, often observed in puppies who may not fully understand that their tails are integral parts of their bodies.
Another potential motivation for tail chasing is boredom, particularly when dogs experience extended periods of solitude without sufficient mental or physical stimulation. Russell Hartstein, a dog behavioral consultant from Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, notes that dogs lacking mental enrichment or exercise may resort to tail chasing as a form of self-soothing.
To address tail chasing stemming from boredom, a straightforward remedy could involve engaging dogs in activities such as playing fetch or going for a walk, according to VCA Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles. They emphasize that most dogs prefer chasing a ball over their own tails.
Attention-seeking behavior is also identified as a reason for tail chasing, with owners inadvertently reinforcing this conduct by responding with laughter, praise, or scolding. Schertz Animal Hospital recommends addressing tail chasing by ignoring the behavior while ensuring the dog receives adequate attention in other ways.
Apart from engaging in tail chasing for enjoyment and as a result of boredom, dogs may exhibit this behavior due to physical issues like tail injuries, parasite or flea-induced itching, impacted anal glands, or food allergies. If there are sudden changes in tail-chasing behavior, seeking veterinary attention is recommended.
Neurological Disorders May Also Cause Dog Tail Chasing Behavior
A 2012 study reveals that tail chasing may be connected to neurological disorders, particularly canine compulsive disorder, analogous to human obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers studied 368 dogs from tail-chasing-prone breeds in which the behavior typically commenced between 3 to 6 months of age. Almost half of the tail-chasing dogs exhibited additional compulsions, such as repetitive pacing, more frequently than regular dogs.
The team observed that dietary supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals, were associated with reduced tail chasing. Neutered females also showed less tail chasing, hinting at the influence of ovarian hormones. Tail-chasing dogs were often shier and separated earlier from their mothers compared to non-tail chasers.
In managing tail chasing, Russell Hartstein suggests that for otherwise healthy dogs, increased dog training and mental and emotional engagement can be effective. Encouraging dogs to practice behaviors incongruent with tail chasing, like heeling, sitting, or waiting for guidance, offers a positive and non-intrusive approach to deter the behavior.
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