Every dog owner has witnessed their pet's strange behavior when, for no apparent reason, they suddenly start chasing their tail. This usually makes us smile and is endearing. But the reasons for this behavior can range from simple entertainment to serious health issues.
The dog is having fun while waiting for you.
If your pet is alone for a long time or you don't give him enough attention, he may chase his tail to somehow entertain himself.
First and foremost, this behavior is a failure in training. It's most often observed in puppies or young dogs and is a manifestation of the hunting instinct. Without sufficient exercise, the animal begins chasing its own body parts. This is the first sign that your pet is lacking your attention, play, and entertainment.
Although rare, it does happen that adult animals also exhibit this behavior. The cause is the same: lack of exercise and boredom. Adults use this behavior to attract their owner's attention. And if the animal succeeds in this behavior, it will repeat it again and again.
To break this habit, owners should pay more attention to their pet: walks, play, and teach them commands. Also, don't forget to pet and praise your dog. For them, this is the greatest expression of your love, attention, and care.
Wants to get something off his tail
If a dog feels discomfort or even pain in the area of its tail and legs, it will certainly want to reach this area and get rid of the cause of the discomfort.
The reasons for inconvenience may be the following:
- plant parts that get stuck in the fur on the tail and tingle the dog's skin;
- matted hair on the back of the body;
- itching and irritation in dogs with thick fur in extreme heat;
- Incorrect tail docking – the edges of the stump may injure the skin or press;
- Possible tail injuries - they damage the nerve endings, which causes pain in this part of the body.
The pet has obsessive-compulsive disorder
“Playing” with the tail may indicate serious health problems, namely the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
This is a very dangerous condition in animals, where they have an irresistible urge to perform the same specific actions. These actions are most often associated with harm. Quite often, they inflict this harm on themselves.
Why is this behavior dangerous? Frequent tail chasing can lead to biting. The dog becomes so engrossed in the pursuit that it doesn't realize it's its own body part. It also doesn't feel pain. As a result, it begins chewing on its tail when it finally catches it. This can result in either simple hair loss in that part of the body or serious injury to the tail.
The following animals are susceptible to this condition:
- those who are often alone indoors;
- which are tied;
- who are not allowed to exhibit their normal canine behavior;
- who are subjected to physical violence.
To prevent the development of this disorder, pay attention to the slightest changes in the animal's behavior, do not leave it alone for long periods of time, do not tie it up, and do not forget about training and socializing the animal.
Most often, a dog's behavior is a result of our attitude toward them. They cannot live without human attention, care, and affection. To prevent the development of various disorders or bad habits such as this, give your pet sufficient attention. This is the key to the animal's normal development and well-being.
