Stress Signs - Chasing the Tail

Dogs chasing their tail are a staple of humor. However, it isn't always funny. It can be a sign of pain in the back and tail area. Max has structural issues around the base of his tail and will pull on his tail when he is overdue for a chiropractic visit. More often it is a sign of stress. It is possible that there is truth to some of the jokes and that stress may be due to boredom. But it is stress none the less.

As far as I have seen, some dogs may use chasing their tail to comfort themselves, but it doesn't seem to de-escalate or calm things with other dogs, so I would not consider this to be a calming signal.

So, check for health issues (including fleas and ticks!), but consider tail chasing another sign of stress.