Many owners are familiar with the sight of their dogs chasing their tails. Most of the time, it’s an easy way for a dog to entertain itself and burn energy. However, there are times when tail-chasing can indicate an underlying health condition. So, how can you tell the difference between a harmless activity and a serious condition?
Dr. Jerry Klein, American Kennel Club Chief Veterinarian, says, “If increasing personal attention and activity for the dog does not seem to resolve the issue, further assistance may be needed. If an obvious underlying medical issue is not determined by a veterinarian, referring you and your dog to a certified animal trainer or behaviorist, or even possibly a neurologist, might be of help.”
Dogs May Chase Their Tails for Many Reasons
Often, dogs chase their tails because they’re bored or want attention. You can redirect this behavior by engaging more with your dog, which may include going for long walks or investing in puzzle games that encourage problem-solving. Dogs may also chase their tails to get attention from their owners. Dr. Klein says that for some dogs, even getting their owner to say, “Stop that!” fulfills their need for attention.
“Many times, the action is benign in nature, such as play or attention, to induce someone or something to play with them. Even negative attention, such as a reprimand, might be considered by the puppy as positive attention,” he shares.
There are instances, however, where behavior like tail-chasing may indicate an underlying health condition that requires veterinary care. These can include:
- Canine dysfunction syndrome (CDS). As a dog ages, the neurons in the brain responsible for transmitting information begin to break down, leading to a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Aside from tail-chasing, other symptoms may include sleep pattern changes, disorientation, and separation anxiety.
- Fleas. Fleas frequently bite dogs near the belly, groin, or tail’s base. Tail-chasing might not be targeting the tail itself, but rather, a bite right above it.
- Impacted anal glands. All dogs have anal glands, which are two grape-sized sacs on both sides of the anus. These sacs release scent-marking fluid whenever your dog defecates, but they can fill with liquid, causing discomfort and a fishy odor. Tail-chasing may be your dog attempting to relieve itself of the discomfort.
Other reasons for tail-chasing can include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or seizure-like activity. These conditions can be addressed by veterinary assessment.
What Types of Dogs Chase Their Tails?
Tail-chasing, especially in puppies, can be part of a dog’s self-discovery. The behavior might be a puppy’s attempt to explore that “thing” hanging between their legs.
“In puppies, most tail-chasing is harmless fun and often reduces or stops with age,” Dr. Klein says. “If tail-chasing becomes more frequent or severe over a relatively short period of time, a veterinarian should be consulted.”
While any dog may chase their tail, studies have shown that in some cases, there may be a genetic predisposition to tail chasing. Some dog breeds are more likely to chase their tails than others.
Bull Terriers and some terrier-type dogs may be more prone to tail-chasing, although there are still debates over why. Other dog breeds known for chasing their tails include German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Shiba Inu. One study suggested that certain dog breeds are more likely to display the behavior in response to stressful events. Other research found that the CDH2 gene may also play a factor.
Treatment Options for Tail-Chasing
If your dog occasionally chases its tail, and if the behavior isn’t obsessive or frequent, it’s likely all in good fun. Yet, you have options if the tail-chasing appears incessant, causes physical harm, or affects the dog’s stress response.
Treating and preventing tail-chasing begins with determining the behavior’s root cause. Initially, a veterinarian may assess a dog’s physical health, which may include examining the tail for damage or checking for impacted anal glands.
When you take your dog to the vet, they’ll rule out any underlying health conditions that may cause tail-chasing, such as impacted anal glands, parasites, or skin irritation. If the activity is behavioral, you have many options for correcting it.
From there, if the tail-chasing’s cause isn’t physical, they may recommend increasing physical activity, playing training games, or getting involved in some form of canine sport activity. If that doesn’t seem to be helping, consider consulting with a dog behavioral specialist.
“A certified animal trainer or behaviorist can be of great assistance in achieving your goals with your dog,” Dr. Klein says. “If the behavior is excessive, your veterinarian may also prescribe prescription medication to work in adjunct with training and behavior modification. This is especially true for those dogs that display tail-chasing as an obsessive-compulsive behavior.”
How to Prevent Your Dog From Chasing Their Tail
Dr. Klein suggests engaging with your dog more can “keep their bodies and their minds occupied.” This may include something simple, like enrolling in training classes, or something more involved, like competing in AKC Rally and Agility trials.
You may also choose to flat-out ignore your dog’s tail-chasing. Don’t give any attention, positive or negative, when the behavior starts. Still, while you shouldn’t reward tail-chasing, it’s still important to monitor your dog for any other troubling signs.
“Tail-chasing is also concerning if the behavior tends to increase or worsen over time,” Dr. Klein advises. “It is always best to act early and talk to your veterinarian if a condition is peculiar, seems to go on longer than a week, or worsens over time, before it becomes a conditioned response.”