Some occasional tail chasing can be harmless, though — especially in young puppies who are still learning about their bodies — while excessive tail biting is almost always a problem you need to address. Pay particular attention if the compulsive behavior is frequent and intense.
Tail biting and tail chasing often overlap with each other. Many dogs who chase their tails do so because they’re trying to catch it in order to chew on an itch or irritated patch of skin!
Some occasional tail chasing can be harmless, though — especially in young puppies who are still learning about their bodies — while excessive tail biting is almost always a problem you need to address. Pay particular attention if the chewing behavior is frequent and intense.
Tail chewing has multiple potential causes. Here are some of the most common culprits if you catch your canine biting their own hind end.
One of the best ways a canine has to scratch an itch? Using their teeth! Your dog might look like they’re trying to eat their own tail when they’re really trying their hardest to alleviate physical discomfort. This might be caused by:
Allergies in dogs can cause itching due to an overactive immune response to certain substances (commonly called allergens). When a dog comes into contact with an allergen — such as pollen, dust mites, or flea saliva for environmental allergies or some type of protein for a food allergy — their immune system reacts as if it were a threat. This allergic reaction triggers the release of chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation and itching.
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a specific type of skin irritation that can cause intense itching in dogs. Hot spots are typically localized areas of inflamed, infected, and moist skin. While allergies can sometimes contribute to the development of hot spots, they can have other underlying causes as well.
Matted hair can also make your dog uncomfortable around their tail. Too much undercoat can also contribute to hot spots when your pup's skin isn't able to breathe.
Some pests (like flea bites and ticks on their skin or intestinal parasites in their digestive tracts) along with allergies (to the environment or to foods) can make your pet itchy.
If your dog tries to bite their own tail, it could also be possible that their anal glands are inflamed or irritated and they're trying to express them.
If you catch your dog chewing on their tail, hind end, or any other part of their body, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your veterinarian to address any medical issues, like secondary infections, at play. A full checkup never hurts, especially when you’re not sure what to make of a new behavior you’re noticing.
Boredom is one of the most common negative motivations for tail biting and chasing in adult dogs. Insufficient physical activity and mental stimulation can result in a slew of behavioral problems in our pets. Destructive behaviors like chewing on household objects are most common, but biting their own body parts is also on the list. It’s a way to release pent-up energy that doesn’t require any external input (like toys or environmental distractions).
When dogs are stressed, they may engage in self-directed behaviors as a way to cope or alleviate their anxiety. Tail-biting can be a self-soothing mechanism for some dogs — the act of biting or chasing their own tail can provide temporary distraction or relief from their stress or discomfort. This can quickly turn into a compulsive behavior if left untreated (much like other repetitive behaviors such as chewing on household objects).
If your dog bites their tail to the point of bleeding, has created a sensitive spot by tearing out fur, or even appears to have injured one of their tail bones, a vet visit is in order. Your veterinarian will be able to help you clean the area and assess whether you need a more robust bandage or even a round of antibiotics (oral medication or some topical creams) to clear up potential infection. Remember: The presence of blood is never something to take lightly.
The best way to keep your dog from biting their tail? Provide them with appropriate fulfillment and address any underlying health or behavioral problems!
If you think your dog’s tail biting is a problem — it’s disrupting their daily activities, causing injury, or making you worried that something deeper is wrong — it’s a good idea to revisit the causes listed above and try to figure out what might be going on.
As mentioned above when talking about potential itchiness, it’s a particularly good idea to visit your veterinarian — they can help you identify and treat any acute medical conditions that might be contributing to your furry companion’s tail biting behavior. Sometimes preventative medications can do wonders for things like chronic skin infections, allergic reactions, and more.
If your dog is physically healthy but still biting their tail excessively, consider if they get enough enrichment. Could they be bored or looking for your attention? If so, make an effort to engage in more fulfilling activities with them. Our Comprehensive Guide to Enrichment Activities compiles everything you need to know!
If you’re worried about your dog’s mental health or struggling to work through their tail biting on your own, reach out to a force free trainer. They’re here to help! A dog professional will be able to develop an individualized treatment plan to get you and your pup back on the right track.
There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either his own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle (or worse, get bored of) them in just a few days?
You’ve been told that your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to stretch their legs, experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and spend time with you! Consistent physical activity will also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dog breeds have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being dangerous. Rottweilers are among them — as a large working breed, they’re often thought of as aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.
Welcome to the New Jersey Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in New Jersey based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Michigan Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Michigan based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Washington Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Washington based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Florida Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Florida based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure. Here’s what the United States has to offer to its more than 90 million canine companions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.