Why Do Dogs Chase Shadows?

A dog chasing shadows may be an isolated incident and a normal reaction of the dog to a moving subject, or it may become an obsessive-compulsive behavior. The dog runs after shadows it sees on walls or floors and barks at them. The behavior may have several underlying causes and when it becomes a problem, you need to seek veterinary help. The behavior may be corrected by identifying the trigger and removing it, or making the dog less sensitive to the stressor.

  1. Causes

    • Chasing shadows has been linked to the dog's predatory behavior and may be normal to a certain extent. The dog sees a subject moving on the floor or the wall and it doesn't realize it is a shadow, so the pet chases it. However, the behavior can become repetitive and annoying. Anxiety and stress are among the potential causes of this compulsive behavior. Often, anxiety and stress are caused by illnesses, changes in the dog's environment or if the dog is left by itself for many hours each day. A dog may also display this behavior if it doesn't get the right amount of exercise. If you have recently noticed this type of behavior in your pet, you need to isolate the potential triggers of the behavior. In rare cases, compulsive behaviors are inherited and the behavior is seen in puppies.

    Potential Problems

    • While your dog is chasing shadows it may consume energy, and some behaviorists argue that the activity also relives stress. However, the chase may result in physical injuries, because your dog may bump into objects while it is focusing on shadows and ignores the other items in its environment. The obsessive behavior makes your dog unresponsive and uninterested in food or other activities while it is engaged in the chase. This may affect its health and even your relationship with your pet.

    When to Seek Help

    • Seek help when you notice that your dog is chasing shadows repeatedly and this becomes a compulsive behavior. The dog needs help when it doesn't have control over its behavior, it doesn't respond when you call it and it favors shadow chasing to playing with you. You should also visit a veterinarian if your dog gets into frequent accidents due to shadow chasing.

    Treatment Options

    • Consult a veterinarian and establish the right amount of exercise your dog needs and ensure it gets its daily exercise to spend its energy. If the behavior is stress-related, you should find the potential situations that trigger the behavior. You can either eliminate the stressors or desensitize your dog. For instance, if your dog is stressed by noises, gradually expose it to noises and reward it when it displays the desired behavior. You may also try to distract your dog with a noise, such as with pebbles in a can, when you notice it is preoccupied with shadows, and you should leave the room, which can be an upsetting experience. In this way, over time, the dog may associate its behavior with a negative experience and will be less likely to engage in it. In extreme cases, a veterinarian may recommend medication such as clomipramine to eliminate obsessive-compulsive behaviors.