Dog Bites her own tail

Our 8 year old dalmation bites her own tail when fed. It initially started when she was younger and she would growl and chase her own tail in circles when given a bone. She growls at her tail as though it is another dog and going to take her bone She now does it all the time when we feed her. She bites her tail until it bleeds and I don't know what to do to stop what appears to be a habit. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted: 26/02/2007

Answer: Dog Bites her own tail
We defiantly have a bit of a emotional issue here. To the point she is void of the pain that she causes herself. Firstly, I would look at getting a Elizabethan Collar for her to wear at meals time. This should restrict her ability to bite her tail. I would also hand feed her. Basically, try and change everything and anything to do with meal time. Even feed her earlier or later then the usual time? Feed her in a different room? Have a look at her diet too. Maybe you could try another brand incase a ingredient is setting her off? Try and break her habit buy mixing meal time up.
Posted: 02/03/2007