Why do dogs like to chase their tails?

Dogs liking to chase their tails may be caused by boredom, skin infections or parasites, anal gland blockage, attracting their owner's attention, psychological issues, and other reasons. If a dog just occasionally chases its tail and there are no other abnormalities, it's generally not a big deal, and the owner doesn't need to worry too much. However, if the dog frequently chases its tail and continuously licks and bites its tail, it's time to take it seriously. It is recommended to take the dog to the pet hospital for inspection to find out the exact cause and then adopt targeted treatment measures.

1. Boredom

If a dog likes to chase its tail in circles and releases it after reaching it, it's probably feeling bored and entertaining itself by chasing its tail. This situation usually doesn't last long, and the owner doesn't need to worry too much. You can prepare some toys for the dog so that it won't chase its tail to alleviate boredom when feeling empty.

1. Skin infections or parasites

If you find that your dog is constantly biting and licking its tail while chasing it, it might be infected with a skin disease or parasites. Because skin infections or parasites can cause itching and pain, dogs will relieve discomfort by licking or biting themselves. At this time, owners can check the dog's fur for symptoms such as skin redness, hair loss, and increased dandruff. If found, consult a pet doctor for medication treatment.

1. Anal gland blockage

If the owner doesn't clean their dog's anal glands for a long time, the dog's anal glands will become blocked, causing pain and itching. The dog will chase its tail and lick or scratch it, trying to alleviate the pain. The dog may also show signs of rubbing its butt on the ground. Therefore, owners should regularly clean their dog's anal glands, usually suggesting squeezing and cleaning during monthly baths. If the dog has anal gland inflammation, it also requires anti-inflammatory medication.

1. Attracting the owner's attention

Some smart dogs will chase their tails when they notice that their owners react positively, thinking that their owners enjoy the behavior. Over time, this becomes a habit to attract attention and please the owner.

1. Psychological issues

In extreme cases, dogs may chase their tails continuously due to obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety to alleviate stress. This usually occurs due to a lack of exercise or interaction with the owner. Therefore, owners should take their dogs for walks more often and interact more with them. If the situation is severe, consult a veterinarian and use medication for correction.