Does your dog circle a bunch of times before laying down? Probably. Did that ever seem odd to you? After all, how many times do you circle on top of your mattress and comforter before bed? I would get dizzy and vomit so my answer is, “none times.” But what’s this behavior about? Raise a Paw is asking, does your dog spin right ’round?

The simple answer is:  Dogs like to spin right ’round as an homage to the 80′s band, Dead Or Alive.

Just kidding. But if you believed that even for a brief moment then you are amazing. The truth of the matter is that this behavior is tuning in with your canine’s ancestors practices. Wild dogs would and still do, perform a nesting routine as they have to dig their own shelter to rest. While it’s a cute thought, dogs in the wild don’t have giant fluffy beds from LL Bean with their names monogrammed on the side of them to lay upon. Dogs will often dig holes in soil so that they can benefit from the cool temperature of the soil against their skin. Pups will walk in circles in an attempt to flatten out the grass and ground and get rid of any other little creatures – like bugs or rodents – that might be leasing space in that night’s bed.

I mean think about it, you don’t like laying on a bunch of lumpy rocks, do you?  Much less lay on top of a nest of scorpions or something, right?

Overall it’s a pretty harmless practice and can at times be comical if your pup is anything like mine was and you suspect was a bit daffy and would circle for the hell of it. After checking with the vet we determined that your pup was fine but be aware that if Fido keeps circling and cannot seem to get  comfortable it can be a sign of restlessness which can indicate larger health issues such as arthritis or neurological problems. Take a moment to really focus on what your dog is doing and if you think that it is having trouble getting up and laying down or seems to never get comfortable, turning in endless circles a trip the vet is in order.

But if you determine that there is nothing wrong with your dog in terms of health and they are still circling like they on a non-stop train to Round-ville then maybe check out that bed of theirs. Is it lumpy? Would you lie on it? Are there pins or feathers that could be sticking in to them? There is no reason to become all Princess And the Pea about this but what your dog is indicating to you is that they aren’t comfortable so perhaps look in to a bed or blankets with a little more fluff.

Video via: youtube

One Response to “Does Your Dog Spin Right ‘Round?
Raise A Paw”