Have you noticed your furry family member do a ‘little dance’ before they go #2? I will admit that my previous cats did something similar and they had their specific ways that I knew if they had gone #1 or #2 based on how they jumped out of the litter box.
For dogs specifically, I learned from Dr. Marty™ that there are special qualifications for that special spot. And that there are five possibilities why it may take a little longer to go:
Aligning themselves with the earth’s magnetic field
You may not know that dogs try to align themselves with the earth’s magnetic field when they poop. It is a North-South axis. Per Hart V, Nováková P, Malkemper E et al. Dogs are sensitive to small variations of the Earth’s magnetic field
Them spinning around may be them trying to align.
May have their own unique potty must-haves
Your pooch may have a favorite type of spot or surface preference. My Maverick loves low bushes.
If they are doing the dance, they may simply be looking for their favorite type of surface.
Want to leave a message
Your pooch may be communicating with other dogs telling them that they are in the area.
Need safe and secure spot
They may feel potential threats and are looking for a safe space.
If you are with them, try to make eye contact with them so that they know that you are looking out for them.
May be blocked up
If your pooch spins, trots, and spins again without anything coming out, they may be blocked up. Talk to your vet about that.
Stay patient with your pup and if you want more resources, check out Dr. Marty’s™ Blog.
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