The sight of a dog chasing its tail can be quite amusing, but it can also be no laughing matter. If you’ve ever wondered why dogs do this, we’re going to tell you all about it in this post.
Why they do it
There are a number of reasons why dogs chase their tails, and some of them are good and harmless, while others can be more concerning. Let’s look at the more serious reasons first.
The first thing to worry about is if anything is irritating your dog’s tail that might make them want to bite it. If they start doing it frequently after never having seen them doing it before, it’s sensible for yourself or a vet to check the tail to see if there are any signs of irritation or infestation. The good news is that if this is the case, these things are treatable, and it might only require a quick round of ointment or medication and some time in the cone of shame.
If your dog is old and starts doing this sort of thing out of the blue, it could be a sign of your dog losing some of their wits with age. It’s not dementia by any means, but it’s not far off. Watch out for other behavioural changes that don’t seem right and if you spot any, consult your vet.
It could also be a sign that your dog is not being mentally stimulated enough, or that it feels insecure. If you suspect this of being the case, it might be your behaviour, and your relationship with your dog that needs to change. More walks, a couple more toys and some playtime might be all your dog is looking for.
Sometimes though, it’s just play
Yes, sometimes your dog is just chasing its tail because they’re a bit of a goofball. Puppies do it all the time, often viewing their own tail as this strange toy that follows them around, and some dogs are just big puppies really. It can be as fun to them as it is funny to us.
So it’s not all doom and gloom, and it’s a habit that will always be amusing, but just be aware of some of the other reasons your dog might chase their own tail.
And while you may not have a tail to chase yourself, you can hunt down some great dog treats to keep your dog happy at tails.com.