Grey pug walking with his tongue out

Weird Dog Behavior and What it Means

Dogs have been man’s best friend for hundreds of years. However, some of their behavior may still be a mystery to a lot of people. Here is what you should know about weird dog behavior and what it means.

Chasing their tail

One of the funniest things to watch a dog do is chase their tails. Usually, this behavior is nothing to worry about. It can just mean that your dog is bored and needs to let out some energy. Most dogs require a lot of attention and can easily become bored when their owners are not giving them enough. It can even just be a nervous habit. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious issue. If your dog constantly chases their tail, this could be a sign of a brain abnormality caused by a seizure. It could also mean that the dog’s tail is in a lot of from an infection or even cancer.

Tilting their heads side to side

Has your dog ever tilted their head side to side while you were talking to them? This is one of the cutest things that dogs do. However, there is still little evidence to fully explain why they do this. Some experts believe that it helps dogs to locate where a sound is coming from. They also believe it may help dogs that cannot see very well, like puppies with developing eyesight or older dogs. However, some believe they simply do it so often because they know they can get a positive reaction from their owners.

Related: Weird Cat Behavior and What it Means

Sniffing Private Areas

One weird behavior that is a little more understood is bum sniffing. When dogs greet each other, one of the first things they do is sniff each other’s bums. While this may seem strange to humans, this is how dogs get to know each other. Dogs can determine if another dog is male or female this way. They can also determine if the other dog is nice or aggressive or even how healthy they are.

Kicking their leg during belly rubs

Every healthy dog kicks their leg when being scratched in just the right spot. It can be one of the funniest things to witness while petting them. This weird dog behavior is completely involuntary and can even be surprising to your dog. However, it is important to keep in mind that continuing to scratch them in that spot may even be bothering them. This is because it triggers a nerve that gives them the urge to itch. To keep them from walking away, just scratch them in a different spot so they can continue to enjoy the affection from their owner.

Scooting

Another hilarious dog behavior is scooting. This happens when a dog scoots its bum across the floor, usually with its back legs up in the air. Although funny, it can also seem a little gross. While they may just have an itch, it could signal another health issue that needs to be addressed. This includes a skin irritation from grooming, trauma, food allergies, being clogged, or even an intestinal parasite. To help with skin irritation, try a colloidal silver spray for dogs.

Check out: Benefits of Colloidal Silver for Dogs

Learning about weird dog behavior and what it means is one of the best ways to make sure your dog’s strange habits are not a sign of something serious. Most importantly, keep your dog healthy. Make sure they are getting a proper diet with all the vitamins and minerals they need along with daily exercise.

Sources

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-do-dogs-chase-their-tail/

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/why-do-dogs-shake-their-legs/

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-dogs-sniff-butts