Why Dogs Chase Their Tails
Many dogs enjoy chasing their tails, and if your dog does this, there can be various reasons behind it. Most of these reasons are harmless, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your dog's behavior.
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4 Reasons of Tail-Chasing
If you ever wondered why your dog is trying to catch their behind, here are 4 reasons why your dog might chase their tail:
1. Your dog is exploring
It is very common for younger dog to chase their tails. It is harmless and is part of their playtime. Your dog is exploring parts of their body and tests how fast they can go or how their body behaves. As dogs grow older, they often stop chasing their tails.
2. Exercise
Sometimes dogs have excessive energy that can be released by chasing their tails. Chasing tails is a way to release that energy since the tail is always moving and provides unlimited playtime. Taking your dog on longer walks or extend their playtime might also help with pent-up energy.
3. Sickness
Some dogs might chase their tails due to an injury, intestinal parasites or other skin irritations. Food allergies or intestinal parasites might irritate your dog’s behind, causing him/her to chase their tail. Flea bites causing discomfort might also be a reason your dog chases their tail.
When your dog starts biting their tail, it might be time for a veterinary visit to check them out. Especially when it's a repeated or excessive behavior. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Accidental Dog Training
Whenever your dog chases their tail and you encourage them by laughing and engaging with the tail-chasing, your dog associates this behavior with a positive feeling. You might have unconsciously trained your dog to chase their tail in order to have a good time.
In most cases, tail-chasing is a very normal behavior among dogs. Try to enjoy it and have fun with your dog, but do not ignore signs like excessive biting or discomfort.
Happy Playtime!
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