Why Is My Dog Barking And Spinning In Circles? Here’s Why

It is quite confusing and concerning to see your dog barking and spinning in circles, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the behavior. 

We’ll go over the various reasons why dog barking and spinning in circles happens, tips for addressing this behavior, and when to seek help.

Dog barking and spinning in circles happens due to stress, boredom, underlying medical condition, playfulness, attention seeking behavior, and senior dog medical problems. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the behavior, so that you can then take appropriate action to fix it.

Dog barking and spinning in circles

Is it normal for dogs to bark and spin in circles?

In some situations, barking and spinning in circles behavior is normal and even playful in dogs, for example, when a dog spins in circles when they are excited to play or when trying to get your attention. However, it can be a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral problem that needs to be addressed. 

It is important to consider the situation in which the barking and spinning in circles behavior occurs and to also pay attention to any other changes in your dog so as to determine the cause of the behavior. This will help you  provide the support and care that they need.

Reasons Behind Dog Barking And Spinning In Circles

Stress

A dog spinning in circles and barking can be as a result of stress. Stress can sometimes cause a dog to bark and walk in circles, which can either be repeatedly in the same direction or in random directions. 

Dogs can experience stress due to a variety of factors a including change in their routine, a new environment including a new home, people, pets, or separation anxiety.

One common cause of stress that can lead to barking and spinning in circles behavior is separation anxiety. Dogs who are anxious about being left alone may bark and circle as a way of relieving stress and burning off excess energy. 

Other behaviors due to stress include pacing, growling, crying or whining, yawning that is unrelated to tiredness, tucked ears and tail, lip licking, and body stiffness.

Boredom

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. When they do not have enrichment activities to serve this purpose, they may act strangely including barking and spinning in circles.

Other behaviors due to boredom include crying, destructive behavior such as digging, chewing furniture, books, shoes, and other undesirable behaviors. 

Therefore if your dog doesn’t have anything to do and is bored, they may bark and walk in circles as a way to release pent-up energy.

Underlying medical condition

Barking and spinning in circles behavior may also be a sign of a medical issue. A dog may bark and circle, including other symptoms,  if they are experiencing pain or discomfort from illness.

Dog barking and spinning in circles can be signs of discomfort or an attempt to communicate their pain.

Playfulness

Playfulness can be cause for a dog to bark and walk in circles as a way of expressing excitement and anticipation. This behavior is often seen in puppies or younger dogs, who are full of energy and enthusiasm.

When a dog is feeling playful, they may start spinning in circles as a way of warming up or getting ready to play. 

They may also circle around toys or other objects as a way of expressing their excitement or anticipation. This behavior can be a form of self-stimulation or a way of releasing pent-up energy.

Playful  barking and spinning in circles is often a normal and harmless behavior in dogs, however it is  important to distinguish it from behavior that is caused by stress or other issues.

Dogs that bark and walk in circles due to stress or anxiety may show other symptoms, such as panting, pacing, or whining, and may not seem as engaged or excited as dogs who are  barking and spinning in circles playfully.

Attention seeking behavior

Barking and growling ia also a way for dogs to get their owner’s attention, either for affection or to get something they want, such as food or a toy.

Dogs naturally crave attention from both their owners and when they don’t receive enough of it, they might turn to barking and growling to get it.

This is especially true for dogs that are left alone for long periods of time and it occurs due to anxiety or loneliness.

Senior dog medical problems

In senior dogs, barking and spinning in circles can be signs of underlying medical problems. Medical conditions that can cause these symptoms, include canine cognitive dysfunction, pain, hearing or vision loss.

Canine cognitive dysfunction is a condition similar to dementia in humans and can cause confusion, disorientation, and changes in behavior. Barking and spinning in circles can be signs of this condition in senior dogs.

Senior dogs may also experience pain or discomfort due to arthritis, dental issues, or other medical conditions. Barking and spinning in circles can be signs of discomfort or an attempt to communicate their pain.

Hearing or vision loss in senior dogs can cause confusion and disorientation. Barking and spinning in circles are signs of their attempts to navigate their environment and/or communicate their needs.

What to do when your dog is barking and spinning in circles

If your dog is healthy with no signs of illness, there is no cause for concern because it is normal for dogs to show this behavior in certain situations. However, it is important to know the meaning behind your dog’s behavior so that you can address the situation.

Find the trigger

First, generally assess the possible reason behind your dog’s behavior, whether it is due to illness, playfulness, or any other cause. Observe their behavior and try to determine the cause.

Is your dog barking and spinning in circles or circling repeatedly in a certain situation because they are bored, playful, or sick? Are they barking and spinning in circles to get your attention? Are they behaving this way cause of stress?

Overall, it’s important to consider the specific circumstances and situation in which the barking and spinning in circles behavior occurs in order to determine the most likely cause.

Once you have a better understanding of their behavior you can act in a way that is appropriate to meet your dog’s needs. This includes:

Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and also work off pent up energy. Therefore provide toys for them to play with, activities, or exercise appropriate for their age. 

This will help reduce boredom and attention-seeking behaviors.

Stress management

Stress-related barking and spinning in circles behavior may be more likely to occur in situations where a dog feels threatened or uncertain, such as new or unfamiliar environment, loud noises, or new people. 

It’s important to try to identify the specific cause of the stress and to address it in order to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and improve their behavior.

If stress is the underlying cause of your dog’s barking and spinning in circles, minimize your dog’s exposure to stress triggers and also remove them from these triggers.

This may involve providing your dog with additional socialization, mental or physical stimulation, or training to help them feel more confident and comfortable in different situations.

Let them play

If your dog is barking and spinning in circles due to playfulness, it’s generally nothing to worry about, and you can encourage them by engaging in play or providing plenty of toys and opportunities for exercise. 

However, if you notice other symptoms or if the barking and spinning in circles behavior seems excessive or unusual, consult your veterinarian.

Related: Dog barking and acting weird (Explained)

When to seek help

Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure of the cause of your dog’s barking and spinning in circles, if you suspect that the behavior may be a sign of a medical issue, or if your dog is distressed.

The veterinarian will assess your dog’s overall health and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or behavioural problems that need to be addressed.

It is also particularly important to see a veterinarian if your dog’s barking and spinning in circles is: 

  • Excessive and a sudden change of behavior: If barking and spinning in circles are sudden or unusual, it could be an indication of an underlying medical condition or psychological problem.  Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your dog, and perform necessary diagnostic tests to identify the reason for the behavior and provide a solution.
  • The behavior is accompanied by other symptoms: When barking and spinning in circles are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or other behavior changes could indicate a medical problem that needs to be addressed.

Overall, it’s important to note that every dog is an individual and that barking and spinning in circles behavior can be caused by a variety of factors. A veterinarian can provide the expertise and guidance you need to determine the cause and the most appropriate course of action to help address your dog’s behavior.