As you can see from the table, as long as it does not interfere with your dog’s regular activities such as exercise, eating, drinking, and sleeping it really should not be a cause for concern. But you should keep in mind that all dogs are different and if anything seems out of the ordinary, or a spinning behavior begins out of no where, it is always a good idea to consult your vet. You should not use this article as a source to determine whether your dog needs a professional opinion or not.
In summary, your dog may spin in circles for many reasons and it is important to note when they do it and how often they do it. The following table will help point you in the right direction as to whether you should be concerned.
Some believe that their actions/thoughts are conflicted and they don’t know what to do, so they spin in circles! Other professionals believe it may have to do with their ancestors that lived in the wild. It was a common act to circle 360 degrees to survey the land and their surroundings before sitting or resting. A tactic used to ensure they were safe from predators in the wild. This circling is also common before laying down. Circling before resting is believed to release the dogs scent which notifies others that this spot belongs to them.
Many dog breeds are known to spin in circles when they become excited, but why do dogs spin in circles? Whether they do it when you come home, prepare their favorite meal, reach for their favorite toy, or show them a treat, this behavior is not uncommon. But it should be considered uncommon when the behavior lasts many minutes, multiple times a day, or interferes with daily activities such as eating or going to the bathroom. If your dog repeatedly spins or chases it’s tail, it is a good idea to consult a vet about this. But if their spinning seems to be created by excitement and only happens occasionally, there is nothing to worry about! But the same question exists, why do they do it?
Why Do Dogs Spin in Circles?
If your dog experiences sudden intense bursts of energy, where he runs around in circles or spins around, this sudden explosion of activity has several names right from “zoomies”to “midnight madness”, “crazy eights” and “midnight crazies”.
The scientific term for this spinning behavior in dogs is called Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPs. While there is no scientific explanation of what causes FRAPs in dogs, zoomies are completely normal and can occur any time during the day.
Zoomies may be a way for your dog to release his pent-up energy or ease stress. Your dog may frantically spin around in circles like he’s gone crazy when you let him out after a long time or your pet sees you after you’ve been away for the entire day.
Your dog may simply be spinning around in circles because he is excited and has loads of energy to be released after being idle for a very long time.
Zoomies can occur anytime in dogs of any age or breed; though, it is likely to occur more in puppies and younger dogs who have plenty of energy to burn. In older dogs, zoomies occur once in a while.
What should you do when your dog spins in circles?
Apart from their protective instincts, dogs usually circle when they are excited about something, whether it is their owner arriving home, a favorite meal, or possibly a game of fetch. Though the behavior of spinning around in circles could be a daily occurrence, it doesnt make it normal. While there are particular reasons why pets do this behavior, an owner should be concerned if this behavior is turning compulsive.
Compulsion behavior is said to be an abnormal response to stimulation that is considered normal. The behavior is regarded as consistent, repetitive, and containing no purpose. It occurs many times throughout the day, lasts for a few minutes, and seems to be out of control. It might start off as a canine feeling two different feelings and lead to them being confused and spinning around in circles chasing their tails. When you start noticing this behavior in your puppy, it may be time to take a visit to the vet and get to the bottom of this. Apart from speaking to a veterinarian, you can also consult with an animal behavior specialist to help break this habit of your dog.
