Bedtime spins, excited spins — dogs sure do spin a lot. But why do dogs circle, and can circling actually mean something good or bad? We’ve twisted and twirled the research to find out the reasons behind this commonly observed behavior.
Does Circling Help Your Dog Sleep Well?
There’s nothing like a comfy, cozy bed to fall asleep in after a long day. It’s possible that this is what dogs are trying to do when they turn circles on their bed before a nap; they’re getting the blankets or couch cushions juuust right. But this isn’t the only reason behind your dog’s spins — their behavior might actually be more of an instinct than a deliberate decision.
Why Do Dogs Nest in Blankets?
Domesticated dogs’ ancestors didn’t have the luxury of a pile of soft blankets to sleep in. They probably turned in circles to pat down grass into a comfy spot on the ground, and to move away from their sleeping area anything that was prickly, pointy or bitey. Other suggestions for the bedtime circling behavior in wild canines include checking for potential predators and making sure the pack is all there. So it’s possible that modern-day dogs turn in a circle before bedtime because they have an instinctual feeling deep inside telling them they need to, without knowing why. Or they really are just trying to fluff up their bedding.
However, if your dog circles before bed but then constantly gets up and down and doesn’t settle into a restful sleep, they may be in pain from an underlying condition that is making it hard for them to get into a comfortable position. If you notice this behavior, contact your veterinarian.
Why Do Dogs Dig Before They Lie Down?
Similar to nesting in blankets, dogs may dig before they lie down to make their sleeping place more comfortable. They may also be using the scent glands on their paws as a way to mark their territory and tell other doggie family members, “This bed belongs to me. Not you!” That goes for humans and cats, too!
Why Do Dogs Spin in Circles? It Might Be the Zoomies
This has to be one of the funniest behaviors our canine friends do — the sudden need to zoom in circles around the yard or house as fast as they can, with a few play bows thrown in for good measure. The zoomies are known as FRAP in the veterinary community, which stands for frenetic random activity period.
A release of pent-up energy is the main reason for a FRAP. If your pup has been home alone all day, or they’ve woken up from a long nap, they may get a case of the zoomies. An excited “welcome home” can be in the form of a tornado that spins in front of you, too. However, zoomies can also be caused by nervous energy or anxiety. So it’s a good idea to notice what triggers your dog’s zoomies, and if you think it’s anxiety-related, talk to your vet.
Could It Be Old-Dog Syndrome (Vestibular Disease)?
Sometimes, when dogs turn in circles, it can be a sign that something is wrong with their vestibular system — the system that controls your dog’s balance. No one really knows what causes canine idiopathic vestibular disease, but it generally affects older dogs, which is why it’s also known as old-dog syndrome.
Other common symptoms of idiopathic vestibular disease include a sudden head tilt, loss of balance, trouble walking, rolling and rapid eye movement. Because of these symptoms, vestibular disease is often associated with nausea, motion sickness, vomiting and a loss of appetite. Canine idiopathic vestibular disease is fairly common, and most dogs recover over a few days to weeks, although some can have a permanent head tilt.
A dog’s symptoms of vestibular disease can also be a sign of a potentially serious medical condition like stroke, middle ear or inner ear infection, toxins, hypothyroidism or brain tumor. So if your dog has signs of vestibular disease, contact your vet as soon as possible to confirm the cause.
Dogs Circle for Many Reasons
Ancient instincts, pent-up energy or a comfortable place to sleep for the night — whatever the reason for your dog’s spins, they’re pretty entertaining to watch. Just make sure there isn’t an underlying health condition behind them.
