It looks endearing , and a bite weird , but it ’s not always fun and game !

Our dogs engage in all sort of unearthly conduct that make us laugh or excise our capitulum and chase their own shadow is just one of the many odd - chunk things a dog might do . It ’s usually harmless , but sometimes this deportment means something concerning is underway . Here ’s how to key out some possible reasons why dogs chase their tails and when you may want to consider a veteran sojourn .

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

The majority of the time , when your barker suddenly decide her own can is passing interesting , she is just being a silly frank . However , if she becomes obsessed with chasing her own stern or the behavior hap alongside any of the other have-to doe with symptom below , it ’s time to search the help of your veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist to reign out a more serious issue .

1. Your Dog Is Just Being Playful

Sometimes your dog just feels really well and is super excited about the day . This may make her apace whirl or chase her keister for a few moment . You might detect that when she is especially stoke about something ( a new plaything or time for a walk ) she will offer this behavior every time that awesome affair occur . This is all entirely normal and just a dog being an adorable dog .

2. Your Dog Feels Anxious

Feeling nervous oranxiousis just as unsettling to your cuspid companion as it is to you . When your dog is feeling that uncomfortable anticipation , like say before going to a veterinary or right before youleave to go to work , she may all of a sudden engage in repetitive behaviors such as chasing her tail . If this is accompanied by other concerning behaviors like excessive whining , barking , chewing , destroying items in the home , or having potty accident , she may be dealing withseparation anxietyor some other form of anxiousness . Consult with a veterinary behaviourist or certify eye tooth behavior adviser to set the next in effect steps to help oneself your pupper .

In situations where your hound feel conflict or unsure of what to do , she might displaydisplacement behaviour , which are normal cuspid behavior that are display out of a normal context of use . Tail chasing or spinning can be a displacement behavior , particularly in locations where your frankfurter encounters trying triggers . In this scenario , it ’s authoritative to be a seed of comfort and musical accompaniment and do what you could to palliate the stressors in the surroundings .

3. Your Dog Could Have Canine Compulsive Disorder

Many detent , especially herd dogs , engage in some repetitive demeanor . This ordinarily looks like a dog that really wants you to contrive that Frisbee again or want to perform that favorite magic again and again to get another treat . Some dogs might spin in circles when they finger overly unrestrained and others might start out chase after their tails .

These can all be short - term and normal insistent conduct tied to a specific context of use . However , repetitious demeanour turn into a problem when they interpose with normal sidereal day - to - day performance . If your dog seems ghost or fixated on something and you could not distract her , or she chases her tail at odd time over and over again , your dog may be deal with a compulsive disorder . Canine compulsive disordercan manifest in a lot of ways but normally appear as tail chasing , obsessional licking or chewingof an sphere on the body , obsessional barking , jumpingup and down , or pacing .

There are lots of unlike cause for canine determined disorder including genetic science , strain and austere anxiety , aesculapian issues , or thwarting . Frustration is the reason we do n’t recommend dog parent use laser pointer as a way to play with their pets . Because your pet can never catch the light , it interpose with their normal play sequence and leads to a very thwarted animal that may become obsessed . Your dog needsenrichmentthat engages both her brain and body , so alternatively do sometrick trainingsessions usingpositive reenforcement , go for a raise , try outnose work , act a plot offetch , or put up asnuffle mat .

4. Your Dog Could Have a Medical Issue

When our dogs are not feeling well they may affiance in behaviour they would n’t ordinarily . When Canis familiaris tag their ass repetitively , it can be an index of a wellness exit include , but not limit to , anal gland issue , nervous system issues , prat impairment ( break dance bone or injury),allergiesor askin disorderliness , or aseizure disorder . These can all be serious payoff that come up on short and progress quickly so it ’s best make an engagement with your veterinarian decently away .