Why Do Puppies Chase Their Tails?

Tail chasing is certainly not an unusual activity for dogs. Puppies begin this activity as soon as the tail is long enough to see in their peripheral vision. This behavior is nothing for an owner to be worried about if it occurs occasionally or if the dog is still a puppy. There should be some concern, however, if the dog chases its tail frequently or if the dog is older than a pup.

  1. Boredom and Misdiagnosis

    • Tail chasing is a canine behavior that humans sometimes find inexplicable. Some experts attribute this behavior to boredom. However, according to a report by the University of Saskatchewan, this is often a misdiagnosis. The puppy simply may have a need for aerobic exercise.

    Other Behavioral Causes

    • Dogs desire to receive attention and affection from their owners. It is common for owners to laugh and give attention when a dog chases its tail. According to an article from the "The Daily Puppy," some dogs may learn to correspond this activity with their owner's response. As a result, it's possible that the dog has learned that by tail chasing, the owners will provide the dog with attention and even respond with laughter. In addition, anxiety may be an additional reason why some dogs chase their tails as well.

    Neurological Problems and Physical Discomfort

    • The University of Saskatchewan report also says that severe tail chasing has been attributed to a neurological problem such as psychomotor epilepsy. Physical discomfort is also a potential cause. It's possible that the pup has fleas on the tip or base of its tail. Irritation in the area near the anus also may cause itching or other forms of discomfort. In addition, the report states that once a dog becomes aware of discomfort or an injury, it may start chasing that region. If you suspect discomfort as the cause, take your pup to the vet. This will alleviate the pain and possibly stop the dog from chasing its tail.

    Considerations

    • The Dog Academy provides a few tips that may stop your dog from chasing its tail. First, don't pay any special attention to your dog when it engages in this activity. Also, consider increasing your dog's daily exercise as well as the amount of time you spend with your dog. Finally, provide your dog with plenty of objects to play with such as interactive toys and bones. These objects help keep the dog occupied and entertained.