. Walking in circles is a canine habit that was handed down by the dog's ancestors. As primitive dogs would sleep anywhere, they need to make the chosen place a bit comfortable and this can be done by walking around to trample the vegetation. Unlike modern day pets that are provided with comfortable beds, dogs in the wild would sleep under the stars on hard ground covered with snow or leaves.
What the dog will do to make the nesting area a little more comfortable is to walk around in circles. Dogs have to protect themselves from dangerous insects and from predators. Before lying down to sleep a dog has to walk in circles to make sure that the chosen area is not inhabited by snakes or scorpions. This habit is a self preservation act as a dog that circles the sleeping area is making sure that there are no predators around. A dog owner would know what must be done if the pet starts to walk around - the dog has to be allowed to go out stat otherwise it would make an accident inside the house.
Being social animals, dogs would always want to interact with the family. The dog will continuously walk in circles especially if encouraged by the applause and the laughter of the family. Most dogs (and even cats) would be seen walking around in circles. However a pet owner should be observant as a dog that turns around in circles without defecating or without lying down to sleep can have an underlying medical concern.
A dog will lose its sense of balance if the inner ear is impaired given the fact that the ear is one of the balance centers of the body. Ear mite infestation and ear infection are the common reasons why the inner ear is damaged. Pet antibiotics and ear washes can make the dog walk in circles if these medications and formulations have a negative effect on the dog.
A dog's tendency to walk in circles can be attributed to medical conditions such as vestibular diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus and canine distemper. The cerebellum in the brain controls the voluntary movements and balance. A dog with a tumor in this area can lose coordination and sense of direction so that the dog will walk in circles.