Have you ever wondered “why does my Pug go round in circles?” Towards the end of Mindy’s my black Pug, she got to the point where she was spinning in circles before she was able to use the bathroom. I had no clue what she was doing, that’s why I wanted to share some of the most common reasons why dogs turn in circles.
Why Does My Pug Go Round In Circles?
If your pug is spinning around in circles, don’t just ignore it. Although, circling behaviors is NOT uncommon in canine behaviors. The spinning behavior can also be a sign of medical ailments in canines. Don’t worry, I’ll give you some signs that should be able to help you determine if your dog is spinning from excitement or medical ailments in canines.
Plus, I’ll share two videos, one will be of an adult pug spinning in circles due to the excitement. This is how a Pug puppy spinning would look like. They’ll go around in circles and looking like a spinning top. There’s a chance that they will be barking and panting heavily.
The second video will be of a senior Pug spinning, due to health issues in canines. (we’ll discuss this more in detail later on in the article_
Once you see the videos, you will be able to tell if you’re pet excited or needs medical attention.
Pug Spinning Due to Excitement
It’s not unusual to see your Pug spinning when they get overly excited at the sound of your voice. Watch this video to see a Pug spinning as it’s owner talks to it about going to see a kitty.
You can see from the video above, this Pug is excited and there’s no need to take them to the veterinarian. However, they may need water from all the panting they are doing.
Blind Dog Walking In Circles
This video was taken about a week before we had Mindy put down. She was a 16-year-old blind elderly Pug that constantly spun in circles whenever she used the bathroom.
You can see my dog turning in circles and there’s a huge noticeable difference when your Pug spins from excitement or and one that is medically afflicted and can’t maintain their balance.
The video isn’t that great, but you can easily tell the difference between a dog spinning from excitement and one that is suffering from medical ailments. You never want to see an old dog spinning in circles, it’s a red flag that something is medically wrong.
Why Do Dogs Turn In Circles?
As a pet owner, it’s important to understand that your pooch will spin and sometimes that’s okay. However, you need to understand the reasons that this behavior is happening. Understanding it can be the difference between smiling and just ignoring it.
The behavior can also be a sign that something is wrong with your pooch and they may need you to contact your veterinarian. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that canines spin.
What It Means When A Dog Spins In Circles
Before Lying Down
Have you ever noticed your Pug spinning around in circles before they decide to lie down? My Pug did this there were times when she even dug at her bed before lying down.
It’s not unusual for your Pug to circle their beds or wherever they are settling down for a nap. According to LiveScience, in the past, dogs had to make their own beds.
While Pugs can be domesticated and love their human family. All dogs have retained some of their wild ancestors’ survival instincts.
This behavior shouldn’t worry you, although there’s nothing wrong with taking the steps to provide your Pug with a high-quality canine bed that will help them get a good night’s rest.
If a dog does this while outside, they are most likely looking for cool soil to escape the hot weather. Most canines will dig into the soil to find a cool spot.
Anxiety and Fear
If your Pug is feeling anxious their natural response may be to circle their immediate area obsessively. They could be fearful of a large dog that is nearby and getting ready to attack.
Pugs are not aggressive and I never had any issues with Mindy fighting with other dogs. I was always the one that had to protect her from big dogs, that weren’t socialized properly.
Health Issues
There are a variety of medical reasons that cause a dog to spin. If your Pug is spinning due to medical conditions, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to determine what is causing this condition.
If your Pug is elderly, there’s a good chance that the condition has to do with his/her cognition, whether vision, hearing, or memory. Circling in senior dogs is often due to canine vestibular disease also referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction.
Vestibular disease is normally diagnosed in senior dogs. The early signs are present with the loss of balance. Here’s a video of a video that shows how to spot the signs of dementia in dogs.
The sooner you take your dog to the vet, they will be able to figure out what’s causing the circling, the sooner you can take action.
Canine Compulsion
While dogs can’t have OCD, but they can suffer from compulsive behaviors. Obsessive behaviors in humans usually consist of obsessive thoughts. While we will never know what a dog is thinking, their obsessive behaviors cane in the form of compulsive disorders.
Some of the most common signs of compulsive disorders in dogs come in the form of:
- Spinning
- Tail chasing
- Barking
- Excessive chewing
- Tail Biting and Chewing
- Sucking on a toy
- Light chasing
- Staring into space
- Excessive Licking
This behavior is usually caused by stress, frustration or some type of conflict. If left untreated, these behaviors can progress and become worse over time. Eventually, these behaviors can take over your dog’s life and interrupt their sleeping habits.
Happy Spinning
Pugs can get overly excited, especially, when they see “their person” or hear their voice. Depending on the age of your Pug, they can be hyperactive or have a lot of energy. It’s not uncommon for your Pug to display their excitement by going into tailspins with greeting yelps. Pug puppies can be extremely hyper, which is also known as “The Zoomies”.
This happy dance should make you feel excited because it’s your Pug it’s your Pug’s way of telling you that they are excited to see you!
Bottom Line
Hopefully, this answered your question about why your Pug is spinning. It’s fun to watch a Pug get so excited and go absolutely crazy while running around in circles.
If you want to feel appreciated, then you need to get a Pug. Of course, if your Pug is spinning because of medical issues or unknown reasons, you need to contact your veterinarian to find out what’s causing the obsessive behavior.
You can check out these other articles to find out more about other behavioral problems:
Related Articles
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Related Questions
Why does my dog spin in circles on her bottom? A dog that spins on their bottom, is usually a sign that it’s time to get their anal sacs checked. Other signs to look for are when you notice your dog chewing and licking around that area. At that point, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian.
Why do dogs spin around before they poop? This behavior usually has to do with territorial and hygiene behavior. The earth’s magnetic field can also play a huge part in this type of behavior.
References and Further Reading
SPCA – Why Dogs Spin Before Lying Down
Dog Dementia – Dog Dementia Help and Support
VCA – Vestibular Disease In Dogs
Whole Dog Journal – Help for OCD Dogs
LiveScience – Why Do Dogs Walk In Circles Before Lying Down?