Why Do Dogs Like Chasing Their Tails. Generally as dogs age this kind of play dies down. Other reasons could be a painful area where a tail was docked an infection or. Other theories assert that the activity comes from the prey drive stress discomfort medical problems or genetics. Owners laugh at the activity so the dog learns it can.
It turns out tail-chasing is a little more complicated. Older dogs will actually start to chew their tails due to decreased awareness. Most experts think that dogs chase their tails also known as whirling for multiple reasons including boredom hyperactivity litter experience and the desire for attention. Or can it be a sign of other issues like. So a behaviorist would say that a dog chases its tail because the tail is moving and the canine prey instinct evolved to reflexively chase that which moves especially when bored. Its a way for them to have fun and expend some energy.
Dogs can chase their tails because they are painful or itchy from things like fleas allergies irritation from diarrhea or intestinal parasites and even spinal trauma 2.
One reason tail-chasing can be a go-to for dogs is that they start playing with their tails as playful puppies learning about their bodies. Sometimes it may be just the odd quick chase and other times your dog may resemble a tornado whirling around and around in hot pursuit of their tail. Or can it be a sign of other issues like. It is something to mention to your vet just to run through potential medical causes and make sure your pet is not afflicted by those issues Dr. If your senior dog is chasing their tail you might consider it to be a burst of puppy energy. They always look like they are so happy and having fun.