Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol
There is a link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol and this is according to a study by a team of veterinarians. High cholesterol may be a marker for behavioral problems such as panic attacks and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) which could be expressed by frequent tail-chasing in dogs.
Bouts of tail-chasing can also occur after a dog experiences physical trauma, surgery or illness. Certain breeds, such as bull terriers and German shepherds, seem to chase their tails more often than others. According to researchers, female dogs were more likely to be obsessive tail-chasers, but the researchers aren’t sure why. Past studies have found that people with panic disorders and certain phobias often have higher cholesterol levels, possibly as a result of increased activity of hormones tied to the "fight or flight" response.
A scientist explained that since high cholesterol in dogs doesn’t always lead to the same health issues as it does in humans, such as clogged arteries, dogs aren’t tested for their serum lipid levels as part of their annual wellness exams. Blood pressure isn’t usually measured for dogs either, unless the dog is exhibiting extreme symptoms.
As for tail-chasing, this is usually just a puppy thing that happens when young pups discover they have a tail but when tail-chasing becomes compulsive, the behavior could be due to "nature or nurture," meaning genetic or environmental causes, including "a stressful incident trigger."
