Although tail chasing may appear to be an odd behavior in your dog, most behaviorists say it is a typical and necessary part of the play. Tail chasing that is excessive or compulsive is not typical dog behavior and may require intervention.
What Causes Dogs to Chase Their Tails?
Tail chasing is a puppy behavior that develops over time. Puppies may pursue their tails to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Adults may continue to chase their tails as a means to avoid boredom.
Although tail chasing is considered a natural habit, it may be considered odd if your dog chases its tail excessively or if redirecting them from tail chasing is difficult for you. Tail chasing might have medical implications, especially if your dog is gnawing, biting, or licking its tail and rear. Fleas, allergies, diarrhea or intestinal parasites, and even spinal damage can lead dogs to chase their tails because they are unpleasant or itchy.
Compulsive behavior disorder can cause a dog to pursue its tail excessively. Because of their similarities, compulsive behavior disorder in dogs is frequently compared to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in humans. Medical causes of tail chasing, like all behavioral disorders, should be cleared out before a diagnosis of compulsive behavior disorder is made. If your dog chases his tail on a regular basis, every day, or numerous times a day, it could be a sign of obsessive behavior disorder. Dogs who tail pursue excessively, especially if they have a compulsive behavior condition, may harm themselves while doing so3. This can involve wounds on their tail, injuries from whirling into things, and even paw pad injuries from the frequent chasing.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Chasing His Tail
Tail chasing isn't always considered a nuisance because most manifestations are normal habits. There are a few things you can do to get your dog to quit chasing his tail so much. Providing a range of psychologically interesting, enriching, or interactive toys for your dog, such as puzzle feeders or puzzle toys, will prevent boredom, which can lead to tail chasing. You can also try throwing them a toy to play with instead of chasing their tail when they start pursuing it.
If your dog chases his tail numerous times a day despite the preceding methods, he or she may need to see a veterinarian. Your dog will be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian. A neurological exam may be performed to rule out any spinal trauma or injury that is producing discomfort or irritation. Microscopically, skin scrapes and samples obtained with tape will be examined for bacterial and fungal infections, as well as parasites. Your veterinarian may also ask you to bring a recent stool sample to your appointment so that they may check for intestinal parasites.
If a medical reason for your dog's excessive tail chasing is discovered, the treatment will be determined by the cause. Infections and parasites can be treated with medications. Spinal injuries may necessitate additional, specialized testing to establish the severity of the trauma.
If these tests and examinations reveal no clear cause for your dog's frequent tail chasing, your veterinarian may diagnose your dog with an obsessive behavior disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disorder that manifests itself in a variety of obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Tail chasing is one example, but dogs with compulsive behavior disorder may also engage in trancing, fly biting, and excessive licking of themselves, their owners, things such as blankets, or even the air. Compulsive behavior disorder is more common in certain breeds, with bull terriers and German Shepherd dogs being the most susceptible3. They even have the disorder's earliest onset. A dog with compulsive behavior disorder who tail chases are more prone to have an episode under stressful conditions. As your dog's compulsive behavior worsens, tail-chasing episodes may become more frequent and difficult to distract from.
SSRIs like fluoxetine, as well as sedatives like acepromazine or trazodone, can be used to treat compulsive behavior disorder. A consistent daily routine at home can help to reduce your dog's stress. This includes daily walks and feeding times that are consistent.
Tail chasing is a common canine behavior, but if you're concerned about how frequently your dog chases its tail, consult your veterinarian.
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