When your dog is biting at his tail it can be a pain. There are a number of potential reasons why a dog bites his tail. The best way to handle this problem is to identify the cause and implement the right remedy.
If you notice your dog chasing his tail around the house and jumping on people it might be an indication of some sort of behavioral issue. This type of behavior can be triggered by many things, including stress and a new addition to the household. If your dog is chewing his tail on a regular basis, it might be time to visit your veterinarian.
Infections are also a common cause of biting at the tail. Your dog may have fleas, worms, or ticks. It is important to make sure your dog is always free from parasites. Ticks can spread dermatitis, while fleas are known to produce a painful and itchy reaction when biting. You may want to try some anticitrus sprays to discourage your dog from biting its tail.
Another common cause of tail biting is anal glands that have been impacted. A clogged anal gland can cause your dog to chew at his tail until it bleeds. Your vet can examine the anal gland to see if there is any damage. The most obvious signs that your dog has an impacted anal gland include scooting and stool with blood in it. If your dog is infected, you should treat him immediately.
Your dog could also be infected with a hot spot. This is an open wound on his body that has a bacterial infection. The wound can appear small at first but it will get worse over time. It is a good idea to check for an open wound before you let your dog outside. A hot spot is not always large but can be a very unpleasant experience for your pet.
Some dogs can be allergic to certain foods, like chicken. They may also be allergic to some of the household chemicals that are used to clean the house. If this is the case, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe an elimination diet that will help your pet become less sensitive to these substances. If this is not possible, the vet will probably recommend an antihistamine.
Your vet will be able to identify the source of the tail biting and offer an effective solution. If the dog is bitten at the tail, the best method of preventing it is to tell him to stop. If you have a dog that is prone to biting its tail, consider buying a collar to prevent the situation. Once you have addressed the underlying cause, your dog should no longer be affected by this behavior.
Identifying the best treatment will require a bit of detective work on your part. Your vet will be able to determine if your dog’s tail biting is caused by a physical condition, an allergic reaction, or a parasite. Often, all three of these scenarios can be treated.