Why Dogs Spin Before They Poop?

Ever taken your dog outside to do their business, but rather than going on the spot, they spin around a few times before pooping? While it may seem odd, there are a couple of logical explanations for why some dogs do that.

"Circling before defecating goes back to the dog's early ancestors," says Dr. Mary Burch, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist. In the wild, circling helped canines pick up scents of predators who might be nearby and ready to attack while squatting. It was also a way canines flattened dirt to make rough surfaces smoother and more comfortable.

Another theory is that dogs spin to mark their territory. A dog's scent glands are located near the anus and produce a fluid with a strong odor that acts as a scent marker. Whirling and scratching the ground before or after emptying their bowels allows dogs to leave their scents for other dogs to know they were there.

When a dog keeps going in a circle repeatedly, it could signify that they are not yet ready to poop, or they might be constipated. It would be best to consult your veterinarian if your dog is circling and straining excessively. Giving your dog more water or food with more fiber may help ease the discomfort if it's a constipation problem.