Back to Pete's Q&A
My dog keeps chasing his tail constantly. How do I stop him?
Q
My Terrier has started to chase his tail madly. He used to do it occasionally, as if playing a game,but now he does it several times a day, and it’s as if he is getting obsessed with doing it. How can we stop him?
A
It’s normal for dogs to chase their tails as part of a range of play behaviours, but when it becomes a frequently repeated behaviour, it can become a type of addiction which can make the dog unhappy. This isn’t one you can sort by yourself: you need to talk to a professional behavioural specialist, and as well as training exercises to help, anti-anxiety medication may be needed.
If you are worried about your pet's health, visit the Petfix DIY Triage Checker or talk to your vet as soon as possible.