Is a dog’s tail an extension of its spine? Here’s the Answer

Your Dog Communicates with You through Its Tail

Dogs can communicate a host of emotions with their tail alone. Some of the typical tail communications include

Tail Straight Behind Them – indicates your dog is cautious and trying to elaborate something.

Slow Wagging – typically a sign of cautious enthusiasm, such as when your dog meets a new person.

Fast/Energetic Wagging – shows that your dog is excited and happy!

Tail Sticking Up Stiff – indicates your dog may feel angry or threatened.

Tail Sticking Up Relaxed – a sign your dog feels confident.

Tail Between Legs – a classic dog move that typically indicates the dog feels scared, guilty, or sad.

The function of the bones in the tail

A dogs tail has a lot of functions. For the most part, with their tail, they can communicate. A wagging tail means the dog is happy and excited, while a tail tucked tail under its belly means it is scared. Besides communicating, dog tails have much more purposes. They can keep their balance and orientation with their tail, especially when they find themselves on different surfaces while turning, running, or swimming.

Dogs can fracture their tails, and that can cause a lot of pain for your dog. There are many ways your dog can fracture its tail, but if you notice that your dogs tail may be broken, you should seek vets help.

Your vet will perform a physical exam, and in most cases, with this exam, your vet can notice if your dogs tail is fractured or not. Sometimes, your vet will do an X-ray to diagnose the fracture.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment will be different for dogs. If your dog has a more minor fracture, in most cases, your dog will not have to undergo surgery and can recover completely. Some dogs will need surgery for more complex fractures, and the vet will insert screws and pins. For most patients, your vet will use anesthesia to complete surgery effectively.

Dogs Aren’t Born Knowing How To Wag Their Tail

Wagging their tail is a source of communication and social connection for dogs. So, like the tricks we teach our dogs, wagging their tail is a learned behavior.

As a puppy grows up and becomes more social and less focused on the basics of living (eating and sleeping), it will begin to wag its tail at its littermates and any other dogs it may meet.

Dr. Becker Talks About Tail Injuries

A dog’s tail is one of its defining features. But how much do you know about your furry friend’s tail? From anatomy to health risks, we’ll cover all the vital information regarding dog tails.

In addition, we will let you in on nine facts relating to dog tails and their purpose.