Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

For years, people believed dogs chased their tails because they were mistaking it for another dog playing tag. On the other hand, scientific research now suggests that it could be a sign of Canine Compulsory Disorder (CCD).

If this sounds familiar, that's because CCD is the canine version of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is where a person exhibits uncontrollable thoughts or actions that seem to repeat themselves.

Some dogs chase their tails for longer periods of time than others, but tail-chasing isn't the only sign of CCD. Some dog breeds will even obsessively bark at nothing, chew rocks, or lick their paws.

CCD is hereditary, and there isn't much that can be done to prevent it. Fortunately, the disorder isn't particularly life-threatening for dogs, but medications can be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms.