If your dog turns in circles, it can have a variety of reasons. Some of them are harmless or even positiveother reasons are in turn instinctively.
If your dog is spinning in circles because he’s not feeling well, it’s often accompanied by other signs or symptoms.
In this article you will find out which pirouettes are harmless and when you should worry or act.
When is it normal for my dog to turn in circles?
Arguably the most harmless reason your dog turns in circles is when he’s doing it when he’s happy.
When you come home, your dog performs a veritable dance of joy. It can be similar when you take the leash in your hand. Your dog spins with joy for a walk in a circle.
It doesn’t even have to be the leash as a trigger. Dogs associate certain habits with the upcoming action. It’s enough if you always wear a certain jacket or shoes when you go for a walk.
My dog loves driving. It’s enough if I pick up the car key and speak to him at the same time. Then the post goes off and he spins like crazy.
If your dog turns in circles and bites its own tail, this is also usually harmless.
The Chasing your own tail is perfectly normal behavior for a playful dog. This is how he releases pent-up energy. The hunt for your own rod can also be an invitation to you to play.
Dogs often go round in circles before doing their business. That is a innate behavior and used for marking. Dogs have glands on their paws that secrete scents to mark their territory.
At the same time, they secure the surrounding area by turning. That is also the reason why many dogs also before lying down only rotate a few times. It doesn’t matter whether they want to settle down in a meadow or at home in a safe little basket.
Dog goes in circles – health causes
There aren’t always harmless reasons behind your dog turning in circles. Even if it looks funny at first, it can be caused by compulsive behavior caused by stress, itching or neurological disorders.
stress
Some dogs tend to spin in circles when they are stressed. A one-off stressful situation does not constitute a clinical picture, but permanent stress can make a dog just as ill as it can a person.
Phobias and neurological disorders
Anxiety and OCD sometimes drive dogs to run in circles like crazy.
As with stress, twists are not preceded by instinctive or joyful events. He turns in circles out of the blue, so to speak.
Here you should observe your dog and the environment closely in order to recognize and eliminate any triggers.
Itching from fleas or mites
Extreme itching can cause your dog to spin in circles. As a result, he wants to shake it off.
If your dog also scratches itself conspicuously often and intensively, this can parasite infestation indicate in the fur.
Pains
Tooth or earaches not only drive people insane. Dogs are driven by pain to run in circles to distract themselves from the pain.
Here you should pay attention to other symptoms such as food refusal, apathy or if the dog increased panting.
stroke
A stroke is not easily recognizable. In addition to listlessness, nausea and vomiting, it also manifests itself as coordination difficulties.
Restless pacing or turning in circles can be another symptom.
However, strokes are relatively rare in dogs.
Good to know:
Similar in symptomatology is the so-called Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome. This is a disease of the balance organ in the inner ear.
dementia
An older dog is particularly at risk of developing dementia. A frequently observed symptom is the disorientation of the affected dog, which also makes him run in circles.
Other symptoms of dementia include sudden anxiety and insecurity. The dog hardly reacts to you anymore.
Dementia is not so easy to diagnose, there are many other abnormalities or symptoms.
When should I act and what can I do?
You don’t need to do anything about instinctive turns before defecating or lying down, but you shouldn’t break the habit either. It’s perfectly normal.
Joyful spins can get out of hand, especially if it is still combined with joyful barking.
However, if it doesn’t bother you, there is no need for action here either. If third parties are affected, however, you should consider ripping off his behavior.
turns your dog for no apparent reason in a circle and shows unusual ones more symptomsyou should take a closer look at your dog.
In case of flea infestation or pain home remedies already effective remedy.
When should I see a vet?
Whenever you are not sure why your dog is doing what he is doing and you observe other abnormalities that you cannot explain, you should at least get advice over the phone.
However, if any symptoms intensify within a short period of time to your dog turning, a visit to the vet is essential.
Conclusion
It’s usually normal for your dog to turn in circles. However, if he does this for no apparent reason and you observe other abnormalities, you should pay attention and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
What experiences have you had with circling dogs? We look forward to your comment.