Pet Chat :: View topic - tail chasing!

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Dog Forums - tail chasing!

pollaton - Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:19 am
Post subject: tail chasing!

WHY??? not all the time but every once in a while wilson has a crazy moment and chases his tail relentlessly, it is so funny cos he looks like he will at any given moment actually achieve his goal and pull it off. is there a reason behind this or is it as i suspect just cos he is stark staring mad??

sambo - Sat Jun 11, 2005 9:13 pm
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Lol i would say he is stark raving mad pollaton but i have just found this info for you on tail chasing

Tail Chasing
Tail chasing is a common playful behavior in normal puppies and kittens. It seems that they do not recognize their own tail as part of their body. A tail is an entertaining distraction when no other playmate is nearby.

Though tail chasing is often a normal activity seen in moments of excitement, it can indicate itchiness or inflammation near the tail base, lower back, genitals or anus. Physical discomfort associated with these areas may be traced to external parasites, internal parasites and anal sac disease, to name a few causes.

As endearing or amusing as it may appear, tail chasing should not be encouraged by praise or any form of attention. In dogs, and rarely in cats, the behavior may persist into adulthood and can progress to self-mutilation. In its extreme form, tail chasing and biting is directed most frequently toward the tip of the tail, though any accessible part of the tail may be involved. The dog may be highly agitated, growling as it chases and bites itself. It may redirect its aggression toward anyone who interferes with its activity.

This behavior should be investigated early in young dogs so as to eliminate the possibility of underlying physical problems. Young dogs should be firmly reprimanded with a firm "no" and immediately distracted with an alternative acceptable activity, such as a chew toy or an obedience drill. If tail chasing has already progressed to injury, immediate veterinary attention is advised. Steps to prevent further injury include medication and behavior modification, as directed by a veterinarian who specializes in pet behavior problems.

pollaton - Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:35 am
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aaahhh, he looks so cute when he does it, but now i better stop him, usually he does it when you play with him and he gets very excited, but i will give him something else to put in his mouth quick, to discourage the tail chasing.
thanks for the info sambo Smile

sambo - Sun Jun 12, 2005 10:17 am
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I myself didnt know there was a reason behind chasing tail until i read this article i certainly have learnt something new Wink

Sasha does sometimes do this aswell although she only has a stump bless her so its not as much fun Laughing

and she only does this when she is excited also.

pollaton - Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:29 am
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it was part of the enternainment when guests came round...lets all laugh at wilson chasing his tail...now who feels mean. Embarassed

jake - Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:46 am
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Jake has no tail to chase Crying or Very sad

However my cat years ago had two party tricks playing football with a ping pong ball (she was very talented at it) and chasing her tail which she continued to enjoy right up to the ripe old age of 15 Very Happy