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Why is my dog spinning, biting her foot, and licking her rear end?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 40 lbs

Hi, my dog Riley constantly is spinning like she's chasing her tail then sits down and spins trying to bite her foot (the one that is closest in which ever direction she is spinning) after a few tries she'll lick her vulva or her Anya and then go back to spinning and she'll bite her foot and spin with it in her mouth (still spinning on her ass) and then she'll do the other direction or she'll chew on her foot or get up and walk off like nothing ever happened and go play.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2017

There can be several possible causes of Riley's abnormal behaviors, including irritation from full anal glands, parasites or seizure activity. That said, if Riley is aware and responsive to you at all times, seizures seem less likely. Anal glands are scent glands that typically empty with a bowel movement, but sometimes they need to be manually emptied. If this continues, Riley should be seen by her vet to express/empty her anal glands and check a stool sample for the presence of parasites.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 23rd, 2017

    I believe I just answered this question, but allow me to reiterate. There can be several possible causes of Riley's abnormal behaviors, including irritation from full anal glands, parasites or seizure activity. That said, if Riley is aware and responsive to you at all times, seizures seem less likely. Anal glands are scent glands that typically empty with a bowel movement, but sometimes they need to be manually emptied. If this continues, Riley should be seen by her vet to express/empty her anal glands and check a stool sample for the presence of parasites.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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