Why do dogs chase their tails?

You often see dogs chasing their tails in endless circles. What could be the reason?

Experts say there are several possible explanations for this behaviour. Here are the most common reasons why you might find your pet chasing its tail.

Sometimes they chase their tails for fun

Puppies and young dogs are not yet aware that their tail is part of their body. It is typical for them to chase it purely for fun.

“Another common reason is boredom – especially when the dog is left alone for long periods of time.”

Says dog behaviour expert Russell Hartstein. In this case, the solution might be to take the dog for a walk and/or play fetch. Most dogs would rather chase a ball than their own tail.

Trying to catch your attention could also be a reason

Trying to grab your attention is also a common reason why dogs chase their tails. If they do it regularly, it might be because it makes you laugh so you actually reinforce the behaviour. But even if you scold them, the effect is similar: you are giving them your undivided attention.

If you want to get your pet to stop doing this, the only way is to ignore the behaviour.

Sometimes it stems from illness

“Some breeds, including bull terriers and German shepherds, are more prone to compulsive behaviours such as tail chasing,” says Hannes Lohi, a geneticist at the University of Helsinki.

“Tail chasing can be associated with a number of physical conditions. This includes tail lesions, intestinal parasite infestations or itching caused by fleas.”

Sometimes a dog may lick, bite or chase its tail because of a food allergy. Last but not least, this type of behaviour may also be a sign of neurological disorders associated with compulsive behaviour.

In a 2012 study, the geneticist and his colleagues examined a total of 368 dogs from four breeds that often chase their tails. The researchers observed that the behaviour usually developed between 3-6 months of age, and nearly half of the affected dogs also showed other types of compulsive behaviour.

“Interestingly, dogs that were given supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals, chased their tails less often.”

The same has been observed in spayed females, which may suggest that ovarian hormones may influence the habit. It has also been observed that tail chasers are often more distrustful and in many cases have been separated from their mothers early.

It’s important to divert their attention elsewhere

If your dog is otherwise healthy, regular training and proper management of the mental and emotional aspects of his life can help him to stop chasing its tail. According to the expert, you should create situations that are not compatible with the habit. For example, when your dog is sitting on the street corner next to you, waiting for your command, it’s unlikely for it to think about chasing its tail.