Understanding Why Dogs Walk In Circles
Dog owners are not surprised if the pet is seen walking in circles as this behavior is common in 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. Dogs that survived in the wild would bed any where – on the snow, on vegetation or on hard ground.
Walking around in circles to trample the vegetation will make the sleeping area more comfortable. 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. Dogs in the wild have to fend off the attacks of predators and a dog that walks in circles before lying down 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 would always want to gain the attention of its human family. A dog putting on an act to entertain the family may cock its head or turn around in circles. Most dogs (and even cats) would be seen walking around in circles. 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 in the brain controls the voluntary movements and balance. 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.
