Golden retrievers are said to be an intelligent breed, yet social media videos often suggest otherwise. Take Nina, for example, who has a unique way of chasing her own tail.
In a viral video shared on an account dedicated to the golden, @ninadagolden, she can be seen going around and around her owner's leg—with her tail in her mouth. Unwilling to let go of it, even when he closes his legs, making it impossible to do another lap.
The hilarious moment, referred to as "zoomies" in the caption, quickly went viral, amassing 2.8 million views since it was shared on January 4.
The clip, perfectly paired with the lyrics "got nothing in my brain" from "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, has also gathered over 659,000 likes.
Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?
Dogs often chase their tails out of boredom or to seek attention from their owners. The American Kennel Club states activities like long walks or puzzle games can help redirect this behavior. Sometimes, even a simple reaction like telling your dog to stop can reinforce the habit, as they crave attention.
However, tail-chasing may sometimes signal an underlying health issue that requires veterinary care. Possible medical causes include:
- Canine Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): In older dogs, brain neuron degeneration can lead to symptoms similar to Alzheimer's, including tail-chasing, sleep disturbances, and disorientation.
- Fleas: Dogs might chase their tails in response to bites near the base of the tail.
- Impacted Anal Glands: Full anal glands can cause discomfort and tail-chasing as the dog tries to relieve the irritation.
Other potential issues include obsessive-compulsive disorder or seizure-like activity, both of which should be evaluated by a vet. If tail-chasing persists or seems excessive, consult your veterinarian to rule out these conditions.
How To Address Tail-Chasing in Dogs
If your dog occasionally chases its tail without obsessively repeating the behavior or causing harm, it's usually harmless. However, the AKC points out that frequent tail-chasing becomes frequent, leads to physical injury, or indicates stress, intervention may be necessary.
To address tail-chasing, start by identifying its root cause. A veterinarian will typically examine your dog's physical health, including checking for injuries, parasites, or impacted anal glands. Ruling out medical issues like skin irritation or anal gland problems is the first step in treatment.
If the behavior is determined to be behavioral rather than medical, there are several ways to manage it. Increasing your dog's physical activity, engaging them in training games, or introducing canine sports can help redirect their energy. If these strategies don't resolve the issue, consulting a dog behavioral specialist may provide additional guidance.
Understanding and addressing the underlying cause is key to ensuring your dog's health and well-being.
TikTok Reacts
According to the comments, holding onto their tail while chasing it could be a golden retriever thing.
"Thought it was just mine that used to do this. Just a golden retriever trait," said one user. Another wrote: "Golden retrievers are both smart and derpy at the same time."
A third commenter joked: "At least he kept him in the loop," and a fourth shared her theory: "Thought it was just mine that used to do this. Just a golden retriever trait."
Newsweek reached out to @ninadagolden for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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