Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

If you happen to live with a puppy, you know how hilarious it is to watch them do zoomies around the house, spill their water bowls, step in food dishes, and chase their tails Your dog never fails to make you smile with his silly antics.

Act of tail-chasing seems playful, and it’s certainly a part of the journey as puppies learn that their tail is just an extension of their body!

For most dogs, the idea of tail-chasing is simply a rite of puppyhood.

Dogs bring joy to our lives but the constant question among a lot of dog owners is Why do dogs chase their tails?

“Obsessive chasing can be due to a brain abnormality akin to seizure-like behavior. Other reasons could be a painful area where the tail was docked, an infection, or could even be cancer.”

Reasons For Dogs Chasing Their Tails

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Sometimes it really is just a dog being playful, usually futile attempt to catch its tail.

But other times it’s a sign that something needs to change. 

At times older dogs might chase their tails for no particular reason other than that they’ve been confined too long indoors.

Some of the reasons for tail chasing include medical issues, cognitive disorders, playfulness, or compulsive behavior.

Reasons behind tail chasing are wide-ranging.

Some dogs simply chase their tail for some time and quickly move on to a different activity!

There’s nothing to worry about unless you feel it’s turned into an obsession or causing your dog pain or discomfort.

1. Could It Be Compulsive Behavior?

Dog chasing tail can also be a sign of a behavioral problem, these kinds of behavioral problems can come about for many reasons — confinement, physical abuse, past injury or trauma, separation anxiety, and so on.

Sometimes these kinds of disorders cause dogs to chew or lick themselves.

In case your dog has compulsively been chasing his own tail, he can cause serious damage by chewing and biting on it when he finally catches it.

Dogs have been known to experience hair loss and even cause injury on their tails due to this kind of behavior. 

We as humans wonder, why do dogs chase their own tails?

Regardless of the initiating factor, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) chase and chew their tails incessantly and it becomes a compulsive habit.

Tail chasing might also begin as a displacement behavior.

If they don’t see their tail as part of their body, they may believe it’s something worth chasing and ultimately getting hold of it.

Dogs have some genetic predisposition toward this behavior when in situations of anxiety or conflict.

A dog suffering from separation anxiety chases his tail similar to a nervous person who bites his nails.

Fun Fact:

Pet parents often have this question in mind that why does my dog chase his tail?

Dr. Steve Weinberg often hears people link tail chasing to autism in dogs.

“It is a common myth that vaccinations cause autism in animals,” he says.

“There are people who believe that tail chasing is an autistic behavior, therefore they make the connection that vaccination causes this, which is not true.”

2. Boredom:

This is one of the most obvious and easily preventable reasons for a dog chasing its tail.

If a pet is stuck in a crate, or even the same yard all day, he can get pretty dull.

At this moment, going after your own body part becomes exciting.

Littermates spend the most time playing; when they’re weaned, individual puppies can become lonely and bored if they’re left without stimulation. 

Making sure your pet has plenty of exercise and stimulation in the form of toys, friends to reduce the urge to chase its tail and even treats can keep your pup from getting bored.

If your puppy chases her tail after you are home with her, and it’s not an on-cue trick, the dog’s likely lacking attention.

3. Attention:

Do you find it amusing to watch your dog chase his tail?

If he is receiving positive attention from you by engaging in the act, it may cause him to do the same for seeking attention.

Dogs are social animals and there’s nothing they love more than the affection and attention from their master.

The behavior is much more likely to persist if a dog learns that by this activity of his they get attention from their owner.

Even negative attention, for example reprimanding a dog, may act as positive reinforcement.

4. Genetics:

For reasons that we still don’t really understand some breeds are more prone to tail chasing than others, breeds like German shepherds and terriers tend to engage in tail-chasing even as they grow older.

Some of the animals have a known genetic predisposition to compulsive behaviors like tail chasing.

For example, flank sucking is common in breeds like Dobermans and Bull Terriers are known for whirling.

In puppies, however, it could be a harmless expression of playful activity.

5. Age:

Dog’s age might also be a factor.

Sudden onset of tail chasing is comparatively common among older dogs and often signals a psychological or medical condition.

Among puppies, however, it can be a harmless expression of play.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, dogs who are older chew their tails due to decreased awareness.

With diminished mental acuity, dogs may engage in more repetitive behaviors such as tail chewing.

6. Swollen Anal Glands or Worms:

The anal glands are sacs, located just inside the anus at 4 and 8 o’clock.

The fluid is secreted which is normally released upon the animal’s bowel movement.

The outflow of these sacs gets obstructed which in turn makes them swollen and uncomfortable.

In case your dog is experiencing trouble with their bottom, they’ll do whatever they can to put ease to it.

Most dogs will drag themselves across the floor in an attempt at soothing these symptoms, but some will start chasing their tails in an attempt to solve the problem.

Stay on top of your dog’s worm preventative treatments to prevent an infestation, and in the situation of swollen glands, consult a vet to get them expressed.

7. Injury/Infection:

If an animal receives an injury to the tail, they often try to ease the discomfort by tail chasing.

Apart from itching due to fleas, a bacterial, yeast infection, or hot spot could be forming around the canine’s posterior. 

Some biting insects can nestle on the rump and tail of a dog, causing an immediate urge to itch.

You might not find a flea on your dog’s body as it only takes one flea to cause excessive itching.

Flea treatment and prevention with the consult of a veterinarian can deter tail-chasing behavior caused by these pests.

Cleaning the area and receiving proper medical treatment could stop the behavior from occurring.

Here’s a list of dog allergies along with their various remedies.

Tips To Stop Dogs Chasing Their>Tips To Stop Dogs Chasing Their Tails

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