Do dogs get tired wagging their tail?
SHAUN GARDNER
Like all essential doggy business, such as breathing, barking and begging for treats, tail wagging uses energy. When a dog is happy, knows it, and really wants to show it, muscle cells in the tail produce the energy that is needed via a process called aerobic respiration. This uses oxygen, but if the tail wags too much, and the muscles work really hard, the cells start to respire anaerobically, without oxygen. This generates less energy, and a by-product called lactic acid which causes temporary muscle fatigue and soreness. It’s enough to make even the most exuberant pooch take five and wait for their cellular batteries to recharge. HP
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