Discovering YOU Magazine August 2019 Issue | Page 33

2. Why do dogs bite their tail?

Although many people find this action somewhat humorous, the truth is, in reality, an itchy tail isn't funny or enjoyable for dog. If a dog bites its tail, it means that something is bothering it, such as: parasites. In addition, if a dog is biting its tail excessively, it can lead to self-harm and worsen the primary cause. If your dog is biting its tail obsessively, we suggest taking consulting your veterinarian as soon as possible.

3. Why do my dogs go crazy after a bath?

Another strange thing that dogs tend to do is go crazy after a bath, roll around, lick themselves excessively, etc. Not only does this defeat an owner’s attempt at cleaning a dog, but it can also cause confusion and turn the cleaning process into an incredibly unenjoyable experience for everyone involved. Most importantly, dogs do not like the smell of shampoo. Therefore, after a bath, a dog will try everything it can to try to eliminate the smell. Another reason some dogs do this is because they feel that when they are clean they are easier to ¨spot¨, and they would rather feel somewhat camouflaged.

4. Why do dogs chase their tail?

There are two main reason why a dog bites its tail:

Boredom: They are bored and are looking for a way to entertain themselves. This is incredibly common in puppies, who sometimes don't even understand that the tail is in fact attached to its own body.

Obsessive compulsive disorder: This second reason is more alarming and needs to be attended to. If a dog excessively chases their tail due to such a disorder they can severely hurt themselves. This condition may be caused by genetics or stress. Either way, if you notice that your dog is chasing and biting its tail excessively, we recommend going to a vet as soon as possible.

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