Does your dog turn around ten times before lying down?
It's not just a habit! Archaeologists have discovered that dogs' ancestors, wolves, trampled grass to create a "nest" to protect them from the cold and predators.
But why do modern pets repeat this on the carpet? Dr. Jane Goodall , a primatologist and ethologist, explains:
"The ritual is linked to 'muscle memory.' Even in a safe environment, the dog keeps an eye on the territory."
But there are other theories. A study in Frontiers in Zoology found that circling helps spread scent from glands on the paws, marking a place as "theirs."
An interesting incident happened with a husky named Sever: after moving, he spun around exactly 12 times before going to bed.
The owners installed a camera and discovered that the dog stopped doing this when his old bedding with its usual smell was added to the room.
And what does science say about health? Veterinarians warn: excessive circling (more than 5-7 minutes) can be a sign of arthritis or neurological problems.
"My dachshund started spinning like a top," says Olga from Rostov. "It turned out she had a pinched nerve. After a course of massage, everything returned to normal."
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
