Reasons Why Dogs Walk In Circles
Dogs walk in circles for various reasons, ranging from instinct to physical discomfort. Some dogs walk in circles as a way of sniffing their surroundings and marking their territory. Others do it because they are preparing their bed for a good night’s sleep, while some do it as a sign of anxiety or distress.
It could also be a result of a physical issue, such as an ear infection, that is causing discomfort. To determine the reason behind your dog’s circular walking, it’s important to observe their behaviour and any other symptoms they may be exhibiting.
Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are relatively treatable. If your pup doesn’t seem to want to sit down and walks in circles, he may be stressed and anxious. A predictable environment helps soothe dogs because we can’t explain things to them verbally. They make inferences about what’s going on and consistency is calming. A routine is helpful to them. Start and end your day with a walk or play session. Keep interactive toys around your home so they can entertain themselves.
Meeting people and other dogs helps your fur baby build confidence. Take her to the park or dog park.
If playing, walking and interactive toys don’t calm her down, you could try CBD oil or essential oils. If your pooch has always been anxious, your vet can prescribe medication to make her feel better.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This is sort of similar to stress and anxiety. People and animals engage in obsessive compulsive behaviour because they are stressed out or anxious. You can try to eliminate OCD behaviours by conducting training sessions or agility training, both of which are mentally stimulating and strengthen the bond between human and dog.
If you’re unable to reduce Fido’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) habits by giving him plenty of stimulation, he may need an OCD drug prescription like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Pheromone diffusers, rosemary oil and CBD oil also relax dogs.
Canine Vestibular Disease
Canine Vestibular Disease (CVD) disturbs the inner ear and balance. It can be caused by an injury, infection, nutritional deficiency or abnormal tissue growth. Your vet can diagnose it. If your dog is repeatedly falling, drooling a lot or walking with his head down in addition to walking in circles, CVD could be the problem.
Your vet may be able to treat the CVD if he locates the injury in the ear by removing abnormal tissue growth. Antibiotics will cure the infection. He can also recommend a supplement to fix a nutritional deficiency.
Head Injury
If your pooch seems very tired, physically hurt and has dilated pupils, he may have injured his head. Concussions are common in canines. Head injuries can cause serious damage, so take your pup to the vet immediately.
Stroke
Strokes are rare in dogs. They can cause kidney disease, high blood pressure, blood clots and head trauma. If your pup had a stroke, in addition to walking in circles, he’ll have a loss of balance and vision and will tilt his head. He may also have irregular eye position, problems walking, loss of consciousness and might fall to one side. Take your pup to the vet right away so she can treat the stroke.
Ear Infection
Inner ear infections are among the most common reasons for dogs walking in circles. It’s important to have inner ear infections treated immediately so they don’t cause meningitis. Your vet will clean out the ear and prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe and chronic cases, surgery must be performed.
Symptoms of inner ear infections:
- Discharge from ear
- Ear scratching
- Head shaking
- Inability to focus
- Redness
- Smell
- Swelling
Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Poodles, Shar-Peis and dogs with multiple allergies are prone to ear infections. Use ear wipes to clean their ears regularly.
Neurological Disease or Injury
Distemper, Neosporosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are neurological diseases that cause dogs to walk in circles. Distemper symptoms include aggression, nasal discharge, excessive thirst, lack of coordination and exhaustion. Distemper is deadly, but vets can offer physical support. Neosporosis is very dangerous and comes from parasites in raw meat and faeces of animals who have it. SLE is a genetic autoimmune disorder that most commonly affects Afghan Hounds, Beagles, Collies, German Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs.
Liver Diseases
Dogs with diseased or damaged livers walk in circles. A liver shunt occurs when a blood vessel pushes blood around the liver, rather than through it–to be cleansed of toxins. Neurological damage then occurs because toxins stay in the bloodstream and kidneys. Hepatitis and parasitic infections also cause neurological issues.
Canine Cognitive Disorder
Canine Cognitive Disorder is also known as canine dementia or Alzheimer’s. In addition to walking in circles, your pup could have a loss of balance and odd eye movements. She may also suffer from incontinence, have trouble sleeping and make strange sounds. You would need to take her to the vet for a diagnosis.
Your vet may recommend omega-3 fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) SAMe, antioxidants, vitamin E, Denamarin, silybin, melatonin, Cholodin and/ or Solliquin. Some dogs respond well to Anipryl, which extends dopamine activity in the brain.
Vets recommend keeping consistent routines, exercising in the sun, soothing music and aromatherapy. CBD oil may also be helpful because it is good for brain health, helps with anxiety and soothes arthritis.
Brain Tumor
When a dog has a brain tumour, the pressure as it grows causes neurological changes and walking in circles. Your vet can take an X-ray to determine if your dog has a brain tumour and if it’s operable.
Conclusion
Dogs walking in circles is a common behaviour that can be caused by a variety of factors. From instinct to physical discomfort, it’s important to understand the reason behind this behaviour in order to provide the best care for your furry friend.
If you suspect that your dog’s circular walking may be due to a physical issue, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. By understanding the reasons behind this behaviour, we can deepen our bond with our canine companions and ensure they live a happy and healthy life.
