Pets may not be able to communicate verbally, but their behavior gives us clues to how they’re feeling.
Dr. Aya Alto, medical director at VCA Broadway Hospital and Pet Center, says if your dog is wagging its tail, it could be an expression of happiness. On the other hand, if your dog is vomiting, you should take him to the vet.
So what does it mean when a dog chases its tail? Some reasons are more benign than others, but the behavior could indicate a larger health concern, Alt says.
Why do dogs chase their tails?
At a basic level, Alt explains, it’s normal for dogs to chase their own tails.
The occasional tail-chasing is easily distracting for dogs, but “it’s not really a problem,” she says. Tail-chasing should not affect the owner’s daily life.
Tail chasing is common, especially as puppies begin to become aware of their bodies through play.
Even as your dog gets older, he may still chase his own tail. However, Alt says this behavior can cause concern if it occurs frequently.
There are several possible explanations for dogs’ tail-chasing habits, she added. For example, certain breeds are more susceptible to this behavior. For example, bull terriers are “notorious” for chasing their own tails, Alt said.
“We actually found that it may be related to a particular gene they have that makes them obsessed with their tails,” she explains. In severe cases, some bull terriers may chase their tails to the point that it interferes with daily activities such as eating.
Alt says German shepherds are a breed worth keeping an eye on when it comes to tail chasing, as they are prone to back and hip problems. This breed may chase its tail to signal discomfort or pain.
She added that anxiety and stress, as well as skin diseases and fleas, can also cause pets to chase their tails.
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How can I stop my dog from chasing its tail?
For adult dogs, the occasional tail chase is “not a big deal,” Alt said. But if there’s a change in frequency, she advises, it’s worth talking to your vet.
“We need to make sure there are no fleas. We’ll take x-rays, do a physical exam, and even “We may also need to do things like an MRI,” she explains. “A thorough examination must be done to rule out any medical causes.” In these cases, medications may be prescribed to treat the mental or physical problem.
From there, your veterinarian can determine that your dog’s tail chasing is compulsive.
“If it’s a compulsive thing, we don’t necessarily want to tell the dog ‘no’ or ‘stop’ while the dog is doing it. That way we can give the dog attention.” And attention is still attention, whether it’s negative or positive, and it helps reinforce that behavior,” she explains.
Pet owners should try to interrupt the behavior without being direct, Alt advises. “It might be like getting up and walking out of the room, because a lot of times the dog will want to follow you,” she says. “It’s a good idea to put your dog on a harness and go for a walk, because he can’t turn around and chase his tail while you’re walking.”
You can also reward behavior that doesn’t involve tail-chasing. “You can also offer treats when your child is sitting quietly looking out the window or just resting,” says Alt.
If you want your dog to stop chasing its tail, you need to determine the cause. “Every case is very different,” Alt says, and your veterinarian can help assess changes in your dog’s behavior.
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