A dog playing with its own tail is a familiar sight for many owners. But do you know why your pet behaves this way? As experts say, sometimes it can be a warning signal.
Sometimes it seems that in the chase for their tail, a dog can turn into a spinning wheel and literally take off! Although this sight can be amusing and entertaining, it is better to discourage your pet from this habit.
Experts still cannot precisely explain the reasons for such behavior. However, most agree that chasing their tail is a way to express their needs and communicate.
Researchers propose several hypotheses as to why dogs behave this way, including playfulness (or excess energy), a desire to attract attention, or anticipation of exciting events such as feeding or walks. In some cases, such play may be triggered by anxiety or frustration.
Beth Loftus from the Bristol Veterinary School notes: “There is insufficient information in the scientific literature about why dogs chase their tails. We suspect that genetic factors and individual characteristics of the dog, as well as the conditions in which it was raised during the first 16 weeks of life, may influence this behavior. However, we can only speculate, and we do not actually know what this behavior means for the well-being of dogs.”
Veterinarians recommend carefully analyzing the situations in which your pet begins to behave this way. This can not only indicate a lack of physical activity but also help prevent injuries. Often, dogs start chewing on their tails, causing themselves pain.
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