Why Dogs Bite Their Tails

Watching your dog chase its own tail can be a very amusing experience but only as long as it doesn’t cause any real damage when it does get hold of it. You need to be concerned only if you see the dog biting and gnawing at its hindquarters and tail. This could be due to a number of reasons, some of which might need a visit to the vet.

• Most times, dogs only do this to have fun and relieve boredom. Puppies might chase their tails because it might seem like a fascinating object to explore.
• A lack of exercise and mental stimulation might make your dog use the tail as a diversion. Make sure you play with it and take it for long walks. Give it lots of fun toys that can keep it busy and diverted from its tail such as toys that have food inside them that it can get out.
• Check for fleas or an infection in its hindquarters. Sometimes irritation in an anal gland can also cause this reaction.
• An epileptic seizure or a similar problem can also make your pet bite its tail.
• If you have confined your dog in small space where movement is restricted, it might chase its tail to display its discomfort.
• An over-excited dog can also bite at its tail. Calm it down by using commands like, “Sit!!” or “Lie Down!!”
• In extreme cases, when your dog begins to hurt itself, you might need to check with a behavior specialist and understand how to stop your pet. Some pets are engaging in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and you’ll have to train them not to chew their tail.

Remember not to leash your dog if it prone to this behavior. It might end up strangling itself with the leash.