Why dogs chasing its tail?

That's a good question. I always thought that they are curious about it or just want to catch it for some reason. It's disturbing to hear you dog is hurting himself, though. This worries me. I don't know about dogs, but some cats have a mental condition that in extreme cases can cause them to attack their own body parts and even mutilate themselves. I can't remember what it's called, but it can be a terrible thing. Some kitties have had to be put to sleep because of the repeated serious injuries they do to themselves. We have a cat with a mild case of this, and when she was younger I used to say her tail chased her down the hall! No kidding. To say it was strange would be an understatement. Fortunately, she has never really hurt herself when she gets these wacko spells and gets mad at her tail. Please keep an eye on your dog and make sure it doesn't escalate into something more serious. Blessings, Orea

Someone told me that a dog has the thinking of a two year old kid. They are curious and playful, and more importantly not aware of some stuff, or do not understand them. A dog's tail moves a lot, and you know dogs, they respond to movements, especially rapid ones. They don't realize they are causing the movement of their tail so they chase it for the sake of chasing it. This is my own opinion of course, is there a dog psychologist who can answer this question? haha

my dog will only chase its tail when someone leaves the house. not sure if it is chasing her tail or just running in circles. It is weird to watch.

I don't know about this since i don't have a dog. But i think they take interest to their tail because they think they can play it. Or maybe i am wrong since there is no way for me to read dog mind, and well, that's it from me. Hope it help you my friend. Thanks.

I have read that it is actually normal for dogs to chase their tails. It is a happy and energetic behavior for them, and a release of stress. It is an exciting component of play. My dog chases her tail sometimes, when she gets really bored. It does not always mean that something is wrong with your dog. BUT if a dog does it excessively to the point that it causes injury, that is when a problem is occurring. The dog may have a behavioral problem, or worse, a medical or neurological condition. I hope you'd refer to the vet.

A dog who chases it tail lacks attention from its owner. He wants to play with something and his tail will be his play thing. It depends on the dogs personality. For some it is funny but for some it is not, for it shows loneliness that is why he is playing with his own body parts. Some cases are biting their own feet with no reasons, that is more worse XD

I have a lhasa apso,and when he gets playful he suddenly chases his tail.I don't know why,but it seems to be a game to them.I guess they notice their tail and just chase it.We may never know the answer to this question.I wonder this too.

Almost more than half of dogs population do chase their tails.. Its kind weird for us but it is their sense nature of affection and fun, some dogs make it a habit chasing their tails, some do it only because there is an itchiness on tail part.. while some do chase to give an expression to others that they are friendly. All has different meanings or interpretations on why dogs chase tails..It has also a defense mechanism expression for them. But the only uniform in them, is that Almost all of them do it everyday and cannot resist themselves even the most trained pet to stop chasing his tail. It is already born for them in nature.