Understanding Why Dogs Walk In Circles
Walking around in circles is an innate behavior of dogs. Walking in circles is a canine habit that was handed down by the dog’s ancestors. As primitive dogs would sleep anywhere, they need to make the chosen place a bit comfortable and this can be done by walking around to trample the vegetation. 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.
A dog will then walk around and around in the chosen area to flatten the vegetation to be able to sleep more comfortably. Dogs have to protect themselves from dangerous insects and from predators. Walking in circles before lying down is done to ensure that no poisonous insects or snakes are hiding in the sleeping area. Walking in circles is also done to make sure the chosen bedding area is safe and that they will not be attacked by predators while they are sleeping. A dog owner would know what must be done if the pet starts to walk around – the dog has to be allowed to go out stat otherwise it would make an accident inside the house.
A dog would always want to gain the attention of its human 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. 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.
A dog with an injured inner ear will lose its sense of balance given that the ear is one of the balance centers of the body. 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.
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 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.
