Have you ever wondered why your pup just can't seem to stop chasing after their own tail? While it may appear to be a funny and seemingly innocent habit, chasing their tails can indicate more serious underlying issues. Read on to uncover the reasons behind this behavior, and find out what you can do if your dog's tail-chasing has become a problem.

Is Tail Chasing Normal Dog Behaviour?

Tail-chasing is normal for some dogs, especially puppies. For instance, puppies may chase their tails as a form of play or to release pent-up energy. It's also common for dogs to chase their tails during moments of excitement, such as when visitors enter the home or when playing with other pets in the house.
Dogs at both ends of the life cycle commonly chew their tails. Young pups chew their tails as they become aware of their body parts. Imagine puppies thinking, “What is that thing following me around? I'll grab it and see.” Pups consider the tail as a toy rather than anatomy. Youthful tail chasing is usually a passing phase that does not require intervention.,
On the opposite end of the spectrum, older dogs chew their tails due to decreased awareness. When mental acuity diminishes, dogs may engage in more repetitive behaviors such as tail chewing. In this case, chewing indicates a cognitive disorder that may require further attention.
Frequent or obsessive tail chasing could be a sign of an underlying issue and might warrant further investigation by a veterinarian. 

The Different Reasons Dogs Chase Their Tails.

 There are several possible reasons why dogs chase their tails, both normal and pathological. Physically, tail-chasing can be a natural form of play or exercise, while mentally it is a reaction to stress or anxiety. For dogs who are not getting enough daily physical activity, there is a simple solution to tail chasing. If owners engage their dogs in more aerobic exercise by tossing a ball or taking a walk, the tail chasing may cease. After all, most dogs would rather chase a ball than their own tails. For dogs that are simply bored, owners can supply stimulating food puzzles that require time and brain power to solve. Other causes could include inherited behaviours, attention-seeking, compulsive disorders, fleas, neurological issues, and underlying medical conditions. It is important to accurately identify the cause in order to provide appropriate treatment for your pet. 

Does Genetics play a Role in Tail Chasing in my Dog?

It is still not completely clear why some dogs have the compulsive behaviour of chasing their own tails, however, some research published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice has suggested that this behaviour may be related to higher levels of cholesterol in a dog's blood. Researchers found that 15 tail-chasing dogs had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and both high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with a control group. Further research is needed to better understand the possible genetic link between tail chasing and higher cholesterol levels.

Possible Health Conditions Associated With Tail Chasing.

In extreme cases, tail-chasing behaviour can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. This can include neurological issues like seizures and inflammation of the brain, or metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism. Parasites such as fleas or worms may also cause unusual behaviors in animals, so it is important to check for these if your pet is displaying intense tail-chasing patterns. Gauging the frequency and intensity of your dog's tail chasing can help you understand the cause —if the behavior persists and increases in magnitude, medical intervention might be necessary.

Medical problems should be diagnosed and treated by veterinarians who can provide pain relief for injuries, prevent and treat intestinal parasites and fleas, or evacuate impacted anal glands. 

Could it be a compulsive behaviour?

Many dogs chase their tails as a sign of stress or boredom. Some may do it out of curiosity, while others do it due to a medical condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Tail chasing can also be triggered by an exciting event like the presence of a visitor or an animal in the yard. In some cases, dogs may begin to chew on their tail after an injury and continue the behavior even after the injury is healed.

It helps if you can observe your dog carefully and identify the triggers that initiate the tail chasing. Then you can predict the behavior and avert it by distracting your dog with an alternate activity. For example, if your dog sees a bird, gets excited and chases his tail, divert their attention with a game of fetch as soon as you spot a bird. If they become anxious when you leave them alone, intervene by implementing departure techniques. It is important that the diversions be performed before your dog starts chasing his tail so the diversions are not regarded as a reward by the dog. Often tail chasing is reduced by the addition of behavior modification drugs that alter serotonin or dopamine levels to the training program. Constant chewing of an injured spot may require treatment of the actual wound simultaneously.

How to Reduce Tail Chasing in Dogs.

One way to reduce tail chasing in dogs is to focus on behavior-managing techniques. Making sure your pet is getting enough exercise, removing sources of stress, providing mental stimulation with puzzle toys, and ensuring they get adequate playtime with other animals can all help prevent them from exhibiting excessive tail chasing. Teaching basic commands such as sit and stay can also help redirect their attention away from the tail. When combined with regular vet checkups, these approaches may reduce the amount of time your pet spends chasing its tail.

Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Stimulated & Entertained

 A happy and well-cared-for dog can easily be kept entertained without resorting to chasing their tails. Taking your dog on a morning jog, playing fetch  in the park, or brushing your dog's coat will help keep them stimulated and fulfilled. If you find that you don’t have the time or energy to exercise your pup yourself, there are plenty of professionals out there who provide doggy day care services — perfect for those more high-energy breeds!

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