Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Why do dogs chase their tails? The answer is so simple it’s crazy

Here's the real reason why dogs chase their tails

Regardless of the size of your home, your career, or your lifestyle, the perfect dog is out there waiting for you. In fact, there are so many dog breeds out there that official organizations disagree on how many breeds exist. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 190 dog breeds. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — also known as the World Canine Organization — recognizes a whopping 360 dog breeds worldwide.

With so many dog breeds, each distinct in size, temperament, and appearance, you might assume their behavior varies as widely as their looks. As it turns out, that’s not necessarily the case. No matter their breed, dogs share one common quirk: chasing their tails. Why do dogs chase their tails? The answer is so obvious, you might find it unbelievable. 

Related Videos
A Border Collie chasing his tail in the snow.

Why do dogs chase their tails?

You’ve seen it before. One minute, your dog’s behavior is perfectly calm; the next instant, he’s zooming around the yard, chasing after his own tail. While a dog chasing his tail makes for a comical picture, you may be wondering if this bizarre quirk is a sign that something is wrong with your pup. Here are a few reasons your pooch might chase his tail.

He’s having a good time

Thankfully, most dogs chase their tails simply because they’re playing. Puppies are particularly fond of chasing their tails, as they’re just now figuring out they have such an appendage attached to their bodies. Your pup might initially see his tail from the corner of his eye and think he has a playmate. Try not to worry that running in endless circles will make your pup dizzy. According to Wag!, dogs don’t suffer from dizziness the same way we do. 

He doesn’t have anything better to do

Dogs are also prone to chasing their tails for another (extremely relatable) reason: they’re bored. Just like us, dogs sometimes fidget when they’re bored. While we have the ability to distract ourselves by playing a game on our phones, clicking a pen, or twirling our hair, dogs have a limited number of ways to occupy themselves. Because dogs require mental and physical stimulation to stave off boredom, chasing his tail could be your pup’s way of entertaining himself when the doldrums set in.   

He has an underlying condition

It’s perfectly normal for your dog to chase his tail every now and then. Unfortunately, dogs who frequently chase their tails could be suffering from an underlying medical condition. Dr. Steve Weinberg, DVM and founder of 911 Vets, tells the American Kennel Club, “Obsessive chasing could be due to a brain abnormality akin to seizure-like activity. Other reasons could be a painful area where a tail was docked, an infection, or even cancer.” 

Your dog has anxiety

We aren’t the only species to suffer from anxiety. In dogs, anxiety often takes the form of compulsive behaviors, such as tail chasing, excessive grooming, destructive behavior, incessant barking, pacing, drooling, and urination or defecation inside the home. Speak to your vet about the possibility of medication or behavioral modification if your dog exhibits these symptoms.

Your dog could have fleas

If your pup has been infested by fleas or ticks, he might chase his tail in order to chew on an itchy bite. Check your dog for signs of fleas or ticks if he chases and bites at his tail. Treating a pest invasion can be tricky, so you’ll want to make sure to treat your dog for fleas and ticks year-round to prevent a second infestation. 

Your dog is genetically predisposed to chasing his tail

According to an article by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, evidence suggests that certain breeds are more likely to chase their tails than others. German shepherds, Anatolian sheepdogs, bull terriers, West Highland white terriers, and Jack Russell terriers all seem to show a predisposition to chasing their tails. 

A Golden Retriever chases his tail on the beach.

Is it bad if my dog chases his tail? 

For the most part, no, it isn’t bad if your dog chases his tail occasionally. However, it can be a sign of a mental–or physical–disorder if tail chasing becomes a compulsive behavior your pup can’t seem to stop. If your dog chases his tail frequently, it’s a good idea to take him to the vet for a checkup. You can never be too careful when it comes to your pup’s health, and your vet will be able to detect any underlying problems causing your dog’s compulsive behavior.

A German Shepherd puppy chases his tail.

How do I stop my dog from chasing his tail?

One of the easiest ways to break your dog of his tail-chasing habit is to redirect his attention. Grab your pup’s favorite toy and throw it; he’ll most likely stop what he’s doing and chase after his toy. If his toy isn’t enough to distract him from chewing on his tail, offer him a tasty treat instead. A well-trained dog will stop when he’s given a command that’s incompatible with his behavior. Try telling your dog to “sit” or “come here” when he begins chasing his tail. Training him out of the behavior may take time and effort, but you’ll break him of the habit eventually. 

Watching your dog chase his tail can be entertaining, but you’ll need to take him to the vet if it becomes a fixation. Obsessive tail chasing can be a symptom of a parasitic infestation, a mental disorder, or an underlying health problem. Once your vet rules out any problematic causes, you’ll want to work with your pup to curb his behavior–or eliminate it for good. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Why you shouldn’t feed your dogs trail mix
3 reasons why dogs can't eat trail mix or their common ingredients
A Yorkshire terrier licks their lips and looks into the camera

At first glance, trail mix might look like a healthy snack for everyone in your home. It has a little sugar, some healthy fats, and a small number of carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day. Sounds great, right?
Although people can eat as much trail mix as they please, the same isn't true for our canine friends. There are many ingredients in this popular combo that aren't safe for dogs to eat. Let's go over a few of the reasons why as we answer some of the most common questions:

Can dogs eat raisins?
Why can't dogs eat trail mix?
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?

Read more
5 safe and fun adventures you can plan with your small dog
Your small dog can do just as much as a big one if you follow these tips
Cute small dog stands in front of a blurred background

As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins.
Go for hikes
While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter.
Travel together
One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

Read more
Think big dogs breeds can’t be in an apartment? Think again
Consider these big dog breeds if you're an apartment dweller
A harlequin Great Dane sleeps on their bed on a wooden floor

When you think about an apartment-dwelling dog, you likely think of a toy or small breed. Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are often seen walking out of high-rises and suburban rentals. There are valid reasons for this stereotype. Unlike big dog breeds, smaller pups typically don’t need as much exercise (physical activity is important for dogs, regardless of their size, though). Practically, smaller dogs take up less room.

However, don’t count out a larger dog if you live in an apartment. With the right situation, some big dog breeds may even be better roommates in an apartment than their smaller peers. Before welcoming a larger dog into your smaller space, here’s what to know.

Read more