Why Do Dogs Walk Around In Circles
04 Sep 2010
Walking in circles is a normal behavior of dogs. Walking in circles is a canine habit that was handed down by the dog's ancestors. This evolutionary holdover is believed to be the primitive dog's way of making the bed comfortable. Unlike modern day pets that are provided with comfortable beds, dogs in the wild would sleep under the stars on hard ground covered with snow or leaves.
What the dog will do to make the nesting area a little more comfortable is to walk around in circles. Dogs have to protect themselves from dangerous insects and from predators. 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.
A dog trying to be cute to get the attention of the family will put on an act. A dog putting on an act to entertain the family may cock its head or turn around in circles. Walking around in circles is a behavior that is often seen in dogs and cats. Dogs are noted to walk around in circles before lying down or before doing their business but if these are not the reasons for walking around in circles , a pet parent has to be concerned as it is highly probable that the dog has an underlying health 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. Dogs commonly lose sense of balance if the ears are damaged due to ear infection or ear mite infestation. The lose of coordination and sense of balance that causes a dog to walk in circles can be due to the adverse effects of antibiotics and ear washes.
A dog's tendency to walk in circles can be attributed to medical conditions such as vestibular diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus and canine distemper. Balance and voluntary movements are controlled by the cerebellum of the brain. A dog with a tumor in this area can lose coordination and sense of direction so that the dog will 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.
