Study: Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Could Be High Cholesterol!

By BL Ochman

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eli_blood_pressure Why do some dogs chase their tails obsessively? It could be high cholesterol!

A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

The researchers took blood samples from 15 otherwise healthy dogs that were compulsive tail-chasers. Fifteen dogs who rarely chase their tails were included in the study as controls. The tail-chasers were found to have significantly higher cholesterol numbers — including both HDL and LDL — than the control dogs.

Lisa Peterson, director of communications for the American Kennel Club, said “It’s an interesting hypothesis, especially as we don’t usually test for cholesterol in dogs,” she told Discovery News.

And, she added “Blood pressure isn’t usually measured for dogs either, unless the dog is exhibiting extreme symptoms.”

However, since checking both cholesterol and blood pressure are simple procedures, Pawfun believes it’s a good idea to ask your vet to check both during your dog’s annual physical. Above, BennyBix’s friend, Eli, has his blood pressure checked by his vet, Dr. Jenniffer Chaitman, in New York City.

Photo by Marjorie Smith