Bedtime spins, excited spins \u2014 dogs sure do spin a lot. But why do dogs circle, and can circling actually mean something good or bad? We\u2019ve twisted and twirled the research to find out the reasons behind this commonly observed behavior.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s nothing like a comfy, cozy bed to fall asleep in after a long day. It\u2019s possible that this is what dogs are trying to do when they turn circles on their bed before a nap; they\u2019re getting the blankets or couch cushions juuust right. But this isn\u2019t the only reason behind your dog\u2019s spins \u2014 their behavior might actually be more of an instinct than a deliberate decision.<\/p>\n
Domesticated dogs\u2019 ancestors didn\u2019t 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\u2019s possible that modern-day dogs turn in a circle before bedtime because they have an instinctual feeling deep inside telling them they need<\/em> to, without knowing why. Or they really are just trying to fluff up their bedding.<\/p>\n However, if your dog circles before bed but then constantly gets up and down and doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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, \u201cThis bed belongs to me. Not you!\u201d That goes for humans and cats, too!<\/p>\n This has to be one of the funniest behaviors our canine friends do \u2014 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.<\/p>\n A release of pent-up energy is the main reason for a FRAP. If your pup has been home alone all day, or they\u2019ve woken up from a long nap, they may get a case of the zoomies. An excited \u201cwelcome home\u201d 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<\/a>. So it\u2019s a good idea to notice what triggers your dog\u2019s zoomies, and if you think it\u2019s anxiety-related, talk to your vet.<\/p>\n Sometimes, when dogs turn in circles, it can be a sign that something is wrong with their vestibular system \u2014 the system that controls your dog\u2019s balance. No one really knows what causes canine idiopathic vestibular disease, but it generally affects older dogs<\/a>, which is why it\u2019s also known as old-dog syndrome.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nWhy Do Dogs Dig Before They Lie Down?<\/h2>\n
Why Do Dogs Spin in Circles? It Might Be the Zoomies<\/h2>\n
Could It Be Old-Dog Syndrome (Vestibular Disease)?<\/h2>\n