What causes a dog to walk in circles

Walking around in circles is an innate behavior of dogs. The modern day dog's habit of walking in circles is a carryover trait from their ancestors. Walking around in circles is done by primitive dogs specifically to make the sleeping area more comfortable. 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. Dog owners would know that when the pet inside the house walks around in circles they have to act - fast as it is a sign that the dog is about to defecate.

A dog would always want to gain the attention of its human family. Dogs would continue acting if they know that they are entertaining the family thus walking in circles will be continued. Turning around is normal in dogs and even in cats. 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. Dogs commonly lose sense of balance if the ears are damaged due to ear infection or ear mite infestation. Pet antibiotics and ear washes can make the dog walk in circles if these medications and formulations have a negative effect on the dog.

Canine distemper, systemic lupus erythematosus and vestibular diseases are other medical conditions that will make the dog walk in circles. The cerebellum, an area in the brain plays the important role of controlling balance and voluntary movement. 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.