Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Whirling!

Probably all puppies have chased their tails at some point.  For a puppy, chasing his tail is as common as a child spinning in circles.  Puppies seem to become aware that they have tails and, therefore, they are something to try to catch.  Who hasn’t had a laugh at a puppy spinning around trying to catch his own tail?

Many dogs continue this behavior as they get older.  It’s a playful behavior and dogs seem to enjoy it.  Of course, it may also be a sign that your dog is bored and is looking for some way to entertain himself.  If the behavior bothers you, try to provide your puppy or dog with lots of fun toys and safe things to chew on so he will have some other options.

It’s possible that some dogs continue to chase their tails after they are adults because it amuses their owners.  They have learned that chasing their tail gets them attention and causes their owners to laugh and give them affection, so they chase their tails to get this positive attention.  If you don’t want your dog to chase his tail it’s not necessary to punish your dog or to be harsh with him.  Simply stop giving him the positive feedback.  Stop laughing at his antics.  Encourage him to do something else.  Play with him with some toys, for instance.  Throw a ball for him.  Play frisbee with him.

Amusing My Person?

Some dogs may chase their tail if there is some kind of physical problem concerning their tail.  In these cases it only looks the same as a dog who is chasing his tail for fun.  For example, your dog may have a flea bite at the base of his tail and it may be driving him crazy.  He may spin, trying to reach the place that’s itching, but he can’t reach it.  So, it looks like he’s chasing his tail.  You can help your dog by checking to see what’s bothering him.  This kind of spinning and chasing actually does look different from tail chasing.  With tail-chasing a dog is trying to catch the tip of his tail (usually).  When there is a physical problem a dog is often trying to reach the base of his tail or his body.  Try to notice the difference and see what’s bothering your dog so you can help him.

Flea Bite?

Impacted anal sacs or problems with worms can also cause dogs to chase their tails.

Tail-chasing can also occur after physical trauma, surgery or illness.  Bull Terriers and German Shepherds seem to be more prone to tail-chasing than other breeds.

Genetic or OCD?

In some cases, tail-chasing can become a compulsion as in an obsessive compulsive behavior.  There is some evidence to suggest that this OCD tail-chasing behavior may be linked to high cholesterol in the diet.

Dogs with anxiety problems may also engage in compulsive tail-chasing.  About two percent of the canine population is estimated to have canine compulsive disorder.

If your dog does develop this compulsive tail-chasing behavior you will need to talk to your veterinarian.  He may recommend drug therapy for the problem.  The most common treatment is Prozac for dogs.  You will also need to work with your dog on behavior modification. In case you think this is extreme, dogs who chase their tails compulsively may do so for hours a day, so it really is necessary to help them.