3 Reasons Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

When dogs chase their tails, it’s often playful dog behaviour, and they’re simply having fun! However, other times there can be a more serious reason why your dog is chasing their tail. In this blog, we’ll answer the frequently asked question, “why do dogs chase their tails?” and share three of the main reasons.

Playfulness 

Most of the time, when your pup chases their tail, it’s harmless and fun play for them. When dogs are puppies, they’ll often chase their tails when they’re exploring and discovering their bodies. To them, their tail seems like a great thing to chase and catch! So, if your puppy is chasing their tail, there’s no need to worry; it’s a natural dog behaviour that they’ll eventually grow out of. 

There is also interesting evidence to support the idea that different dog breeds are more likely to chase their tails. These include German Shepherds, Jack Russells, and West Highland Terriers. However, there is more work to be done to understand this genetic link, and if your dog is persistently chasing their tail, it’s important to see if there’s an issue.

Boredom

For the most part, dogs chasing their tails are playful, but there might also be other reasons that should be investigated further. Chasing their tail might be a sign of a bored dog, so consider whether they have enough physical or mental enrichment. Tail-chasing can be a way for dogs to entertain themselves and a way to get rid of excess energy.

If your dog often chases their tail, this is a sign that they need more mental and physical exercise to use up all their energy. Giving your dog an extra walk can help to give them more physical exercise, or if you work or are away for long hours, maybe consider a dog walker or doggy daycare. For mental enrichment, you can try a play or training session with a food puzzle or scent game. 

Medical Reasons

There can also be some medical reasons why your dog may be chasing their tail. Parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause your dog to be irritated, which can result in them chasing their tail to relieve the discomfort. Other things that can cause irritation and lead to your dog chasing their tail are anal gland issues, nerve issues, and allergies can lead to your dog chasing its tail to try and get rid of the irritation.  

Your dog can also chase its tail if it is injured or sore. If you notice your dog chasing its tail frequently, have a look at their tail for any obvious signs of redness or wounds that may be causing your dog some pain. 

If your dog’s tail-chasing becomes more constant, it could also be a sign of compulsive dog behaviour. There is no obvious purpose to compulsive behaviour, but if your dog has chased their tail before to soothe themselves in a challenging situation, this can become a habit. 

If you notice signs a dog is anxious when chasing their tail, consider using ADAPTIL Calm to help relax them. ADAPTIL Calm is not a solution for compulsive dog behaviour, but it can help an anxious dog feel secure in stressful situations that may trigger tail-chasing. 

Most importantly, contact your vet if you find your dog is often chasing their tail, as the last thing we want is for our furry friends to be in pain. A professional can help reduce your worry, rule out any medical issues, or even refer you to a qualified animal behaviourist who can help work out the root of your dog’s behaviour.

Another key thing to remember is that you shouldn’t punish your pup for chasing their tail. It can be a sign of a bored or anxious dog, so it’s good to take extra care in making sure to find the cause of the problem and checking they’re not in any pain.  

If you’d like to know more about dog behaviour or have any questions about why dogs chase their tails, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help! You can also stay informed with our latest tips, guides, and product information by signing up for our newsletter.