What Causes A Dog To Walk In Circles
Dog owners are not surprised if the pet is seen walking in circles as this behavior is common in dogs. It is believed that this habit was handed down by the ancestors of present day dogs that have survived in the wild. Walking around in circles is done by primitive dogs specifically to make the sleeping area more comfortable. Dogs in the wild unlike today’s dogs don’t have the luxury of sleeping in comfortable beds as they normally curl down on the snow or on the dirt covered ground.
A dog will then walk around and around in the chosen area to flatten the vegetation to be able to sleep more comfortably. This behavior is also associated with self preservation. To ensure that no snakes, scorpions or other venomous insects are lurking in the sleeping area, a dogs will walk around in circles. This habit is a self preservation act as a dog that circles the sleeping area is making sure that there are no predators around. Dog owners would drop anything they are doing if the pet is seen walking around in circles as this would mean that the dog is about to poop and must be taken out.
Being social animals, dogs would always want to interact with the family. The dog will continuously walk in circles especially if encouraged by the applause and the laughter of the family. Walking around in circles is a behavior that is often seen in dogs and cats. Walking around in circles is normally not dangerous but dog owners must be aware that this habit can be a sign that the pet has an underlying medical concern.
The ears is one of the balance centers of the body and if the ears are damaged, the dog will lose coordination and balance and walk in circles. Ear mite infestation and ear infection are the common reasons why the inner ear is damaged. Pet antibiotics and ear washes can make the dog walk in circles if these medications and formulations have a negative effect on the dog.
Although walking in circles is a normal behavior of dogs, a pet owner wanting to rule out medical reasons would take the dog to a vet as in some cases the dog that is walking in circles can have canine distemper, vestibular diseases or systemic lupus erythematosus. The cerebellum, an area in the brain plays the important role of controlling balance and voluntary movement. A tumor that develops in the cerebellum can make the dog lose its coordination and sense of balance thus it would walk in circles.
Why do dogs walk around in circles? Sarah’s Dogs have more answers to this common dog behaviour as well as information on dog first aid.
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