Why Do Dogs Spin In Circles And Pant?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Why Do Dogs Spin In Circles And Pant?“.

A dog is an endlessly fascinating creature who engages in a wide variety of behaviors and play which can be incredibly entertaining fascinating as well as worrying at times. 

The previous research I wrote discussed why dogs spin in circles while sitting on their bottoms but in this research I want to look at why dogs spin in circles and pant at the same time.

This can be explained by four main reasons in my opinion.  

Four main causes for dogs to spin in circles and pant

There are several reasons why your dog may be spinning in circles and panting. 

There are several possibilities for these behaviors such as excitement regulating heat or settling before sleeping as detailed below. 

There are however several possible causes for panting and spinning compulsively and feeling uncomfortable. 

They are ill or in pain

It could be a sign that your pet is in pain or feels ill if he or she walks around in a circle while panting.

Inspect your dog for external injuries and see if his appetite or other habits have been affected.

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your pet is ill or in pain. 

Your dog may have an ear Infection

Your dog may be experiencing pain or discomfort if they are spinning panting and scratching at their ears constantly.

They may be circling because they are uncomfortable or because of balance difficulties caused by the infection. 

They are having cognitive problems

Your older dog may be suffering from cognitive issues such as dementia if they are panting and spinning in circles. 

Do they need to be checked for a stroke?

Dogs can also suffer strokes and walking around in circles and panting are symptoms you should watch for.

It is important to ensure that your dog receives medical attention as soon as possible in cases such as the ones above. 

In the event that your pet is panting or spinning in circles because of pain illness or confusion you should contact your veterinarian right away.

If you treat your pets problem as soon as possible your pets pain will be reduced sooner rather than later. 

A dog may also be spinning and/or panting for natural reasons which are not alarming.

In most cases you should only be concerned when this behavior seems excessive or compulsive.

Discover more reasons why your dog paints and spins around below. 

Why do dogs spin in circles?

In order to secure the area around them dogs spin around before laying down or pooping.

In addition they will pad the floor before settling down to sleep so that the area is comfortable.

To play release excess energy and chase its tail your pet will also spin in circles.

It is common for puppies in particular to engage in this behavior. 

A dog spinning due to boredom or anxiety can also be caused by medical conditions or cognitive issues.

In the event that your animal spins compulsively and at strange times you should consult your vet to see if anything is physically or emotionally wrong. 

Lets examine a few of these reasons in more detail.

Six reasons that dogs spin in circles

Why do dogs spin before they lay down?

If your dog is preparing to lay down and sleep you may notice that it will turn around several times.

Dogs developed this behavior before domestication. Canines turn around several times before settling down in the wild to ensure that the area is safe and secure. 

In addition to smelling for predators they would also be marking the area with their own scent.

Dogs will also pad down on the ground while circling to push down leaves twigs and earth in order to create a comfortable surface.

In spite of the fact that this behavior is much less necessary today dogs still instinctively engage in it when preparing to settle down.

It is also possible that they will do the same when preparing to poop. If they engage in such vulnerable positioning that may leave them vulnerable to attack they need to make sure the area is safe. 

Why do dogs spin when they are excited?

You may also notice your dog spinning around when they are excited; perhaps they are greeting you when you come home looking forward to a walk or anticipating feeding time.

You may find that along with yelping jumping and running around your dog will spin around in circles to express its happiness. 

If the behavior does not become compulsive then it is a perfectly normal expression of your dogs emotions.

You may want to contact a professional if the child is spinning around at strange times in slower unsteady movements and over and over again. 

Why is your dog spinning compulsively?

Your dog may begin to spin compulsively in rare cases ignoring eating and sleeping in favor of this movement.

The cause of this may be anxiety stress or some other emotional or physical issue that your pet is struggling with so it is essential that you contact your vet as soon as possible. 

Why do dogs spin and chase their tail?

It is common for pets to spin in circles chasing their own tails.

Whenever they are bored they use this as an outlet for energy and to have fun.

Especially puppies engage in this behavior as they are still learning about their bodies and may not even realize that their tail is a part of them!

This behavior is less common as dogs age but it is still perfectly normal in most cases. 

Why do puppies spin in circles?

Many puppies spin in circles for the same reasons described above but they may also do this when bored.

It is important to keep puppies mentally and physically stimulated at all times.

When a puppys pent-up energy isnot being expended through play walks and engagement with their owner they may circle to release it.

It may be accompanied by rolling around on the floor chasing their tails and running around. 

In general this behavior is nothing to worry about but you should monitor your dog to make sure it does not become a compulsive coping mechanism as he grows. 

Why do old dogs spin in circles?

When an older dog spins around a lot it can be a symptom of a medical issue even if it is a perfectly normal expression of excitement playfulness or inherited behavior.

In older dogs confusion balance and sight issues or cognitive issues may cause them to spin around.

You should take your pet to the veterinarian if you believe this is the case. 

Five reasons that dogs pant

It is perfectly normal for animals to pant to regulate their body temperature and to express excitement and happiness both of which are perfectly normal behaviors.

Pets can also pant as a result of stress fear or anxiety and you must comfort them if this occurs. 

In addition panting can be a symptom of your dogs illness or pain if you believe that may be the case you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible and check for other symptoms. 

Here are some reasons why your dog may be panting and spinning in circles including potential causes and what you should watch for if you are worried. 

Dogs pant when they are hot?

It is common for dogs to pant when they feel hot.

During panting your pet will lower their body temperature by evaporating the moisture on their tongue and mouth.

Additionally the warm air inside them will be exchanged with the colder air around them. Unlike humans dogs do not have sweat glands so this is how they regulate their body temperature.

It is for this reason that your dog pants when it is hot outside. 

Why is my dog panting and wheezing?

Despite panting being a perfectly normal behavior in many cases it can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition.

Your veterinarian should be consulted if your dogs panting is accompanied by strained sounds such as gasping wheezing or whining. 

Dogs pant when they are excited

Your dog may pant and leave you wondering “Why?” if they seem happy and excited.

In this case panting is often accompanied by spinning jumping zooming and licking as well as other signs of happiness.

In addition to having bright and engaged eyes your dog will also display relaxed body language.

Your dogs panting will subside as he calms down. 

Do dogs pant when they are stressed?

The panting of a dog may also indicate a more worrying extreme emotion. When dogs are stressed anxious or afraid they tend to pant.

During car rides when visiting unfamiliar places or when there are fireworks outside your dog may start panting.

The best way to lower your dogs stress levels is to remove him from the situation as soon as possible engage in comforting sounds and petting and protect him from similar situations in the future. 

Dogs pant when they are uncomfortable or in pain

The panting of your dog may indicate that it is ill or in pain.

In addition to nausea loss of appetite and lack of energy are often associated with this condition.

It is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your animal is ill or in pain. Pets may pant to cool themselves down if they have a high temperature.

Panting may also be caused by a bloated or full stomach; if the panting is accompanied by dry heaving or vomiting take your pet to the vet immediately. 

Excessive panting can also be caused by medical conditions like laryngeal paralysis and Cushings disease which are often accompanied by wheezing sounds.

Some medications your dog may receive from the vet may also increase panting and respiration. 

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.