in

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Dogs can spin in place from time to time, and run after their tail. For example, waiting for you to get dressed and take you for a walk. Dogs can catch their tail to bite off fleas or stuck thorns. A couple of times it is not forbidden for the puppy to run after the tail.

Why does my dog chase his tail?

But if your dog regularly tries to catch its tail, then grab it in an armful and rush to the veterinarian, because your dog most likely has obsessive-compulsive disorder, i.e. mental illness.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disorder consisting of a repetitive, irresistible urge to perform certain actions, sometimes with the presence of self-harm. A dog with compulsive disorder performs one or more activities repeatedly, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life.

Sometimes, in addition to catching a tail, a dog can simply circle in place, walk from corner to corner, gnaw or lick paws, sides, gnaw or lick an object, catch “flies”, suffer from a perverse appetite, rhythmically bark or whine, and stare at shadows.

These behaviors are commonly referred to as compulsive, and they are considered abnormal because they are reproduced outside the provoking situation and are often protracted, exaggerated, or obsessively repetitive.

In animals, compulsive behaviors are considered expressions of stress, frustration, or conflict.

It is believed that there is a genetic predisposition to the development of compulsive behavior, and it is genetic characteristics that determine which form of compulsive behavior develops in an animal.

Usually, the pursuit of the tail first manifests itself in a certain conflict situation, but then it can appear in other cases in which the animal experiences fear or strong arousal. Over time, the threshold for arousal that induces compulsive behavior can decrease, and this leads to the fact that the animal makes more and more obsessive movements.

Treating compulsive behavior takes time and considerable attention on the part of the dog owner and does not guarantee the complete disappearance of the obsessive behavior, but it can reduce its frequency, duration, and intensity.

Treatments include reducing stress stimulation, increasing predictability in the environment, behavior modification, and drug therapy.

First of all, it is necessary to identify the causes of undesirable behavior and conduct exercises to get used to them, that is, to increase the dog’s resistance to stress:

  • Establish a consistent daily routine;
  • Conduct regular obedience classes;
  • Eliminate any form of punishment.

Provide the dog with regular physical activity in the form of walks and sufficient activity, preferably in the form of games with play objects.

If you have to leave your dog alone, make it impossible for him to reproduce stereotyped behavior.

Engage in substitution behavior: The first step is to distract your dog as soon as it tries to mimic the compulsive behavior. Command the dog to do something incompatible with chasing the tail. Offer your dog a toy and play with your pet.

Use the medication as recommended by your veterinarian.

Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *