Why is my dogs tail down and stiff?

Conditions such as prostate trouble, anal gland inflammation and osteoarthritis may cause your pet to hold his tail down to counteract pain and discomfort. Any dog can be affected by a limp tail, although dogs with longer tails tend to be affected more often.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet for limber tail?

Limber Tail Treatment This syndrome that affects dogs sometimes goes unnoticed by pet parents because it will frequently heal on its own. Still, if you notice that your pup has signs of a flaccid tail, it’s essential that you bring them to their veterinarian.

Why is my dog’s tail just hanging?

“Limber tail” or “cold tail” is a condition in which working or active dogs suddenly develop a limp tail. Affected dogs usually have a history of being transported for a prolonged time in a cage or crate; a hard workout prior to onset; prolonged swimming; or exposure to cold or wet weather.

What is swimmer’s tail on a dog?

Swimmer’s Tail happens when a dog’s tail gets strained or sprained by activities such as swimming or playing. The tail will be sore and the dog may not be able to wag it or hold it up for a few days.

Why won’t my dog lift his tail?

What is Limber Tail Syndrome? Limber tail syndrome is one of several names for the medical condition also known as acute caudal myopathy. Limber tail syndrome is another name for acute caudal myopathy, a temporary condition where the dog is unable to lift its tail and it hangs down limply.

What can I give my dog for limber tail?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx are good examples, and your veterinarian can prescribe these. Or if you can’t reach a veterinarian, try buffered aspirin for a day or two.

Is limber tail an emergency?

The good news is, limber tail is not life threatening, or even life altering (for more than a few days or weeks). It probably causes some pain for your dog for a day or two. Dr. Steiss says the most important thing is to rest the dog for several days, at least until the normal tail action has returned.

How can I help my dogs limber tail?

Resting the dog and anti-inflammatory medications will allow the tail to heal and return to normal in usually a few days to a week. Sometimes rest and medications for up to a week may be needed but regardless, treatment is short and simple when compared to many other problems.

Why is my dog’s tail swollen?

Causes of Limber Tail Syndrome in Dogs This syndrome is caused by pain and swelling at the base of the tail, either due to overwork or stress injuries. It is believed that the pain and swelling of this condition is caused partially due to restricted blood flow to the muscles that control the tail.

Why does my dog’s tail not curl up anymore?

Limber tail often is due to a muscle sprain or strain in a dog’s tail. These injuries are associated with overuse, but also can be due to: Swimming. Prolonged crate confinement.

What does swimmers tail look like?

Completely limp tail, from base to tip. Partially limp tail, held horizontally out from the base, with the rest hanging down. Absence of wagging. Discomfort or pain, especially if you try to move the tail.

Why is it so hard to treat a dog with a tail?

The tail can be difficult to treat because the area is hard to bandage and a dog won’t necessarily tolerate a bandage on their tail, says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian based in California. Additionally, when a dog is experiencing a tail issue, it’s generally very noticeable.

Why is my dog tucking his tail between his legs?

A tail that is tucked between a dog’s legs accompanied by his whole body shaking nearly always means that the dog is very fearful and should be removed from the situation he’s in. Owners who see their dog with the tail tucked between his legs may feel that the dog acts weird, even though there’s nothing to be afraid of.

What does it mean when a dog has a cold tail?

Limber or Cold Tail. Limber tail is a painful muscle condition that is thought to be caused by overexertion. It causes pain at the base of the tail that is usually sensitive to touch and the remainder of the tail is often limp. It most commonly affects large breed, working dogs.

Why is my Dog’s Tail limping?

Some common reasons include: These physical activities can result in excessive use of the tail. When the tail is used for balance, wags out of excitement, or the blood vessels constrict when swimming in cold water, limp tail may result.