What does a sprained dog tail look like? Here’s What to Do Next

Yes, Dogs Can Sprain Their Tails

As a whole, we really don’t talk much about causes and treatment of sprained dog tails–that is until it happens to your dog. I stumbled upon an article this week about the matter and became completely fascinated. I didn’t know exposure to cold water could cause a sprained tail. So I dug deep, as I wanted to know everything. Interestingly, much of what causes a dog’s tail to break is a complete mystery. “The X-Files” should do an episode on cold tails in dogs. I want to know more!

Before we go further, it seems this phenomenon is referred to by other names. You’ll hear references, such as limber tail, cold tail, broken tail, swimmer’s tail and even dead tail. While the terms are interesting, let’s discuss what cold tail looks like as well as causes and treatment. As always, prevention is the best treatment!

Droopy Tail? Learn All About Cold Tail Syndrome!

One evening, my Labrador Retriever Turbo was nibbling at the base of his tail. At bedtime, he was restless and couldn’t seem to get comfortable on any dog bed (or my bed) in the house. He even whined at me; he vocalizes when he is displeased and I couldn’t figure out what he wanted. The next day, I noticed that his tail carriage was very low and looked odd during our morning walk. Because I have a second dog of the same breed, I was able to compare tail postures between the dogs. I realized something was very wrong. Turbo’s tail was clearly drooping (physically – not emotionally).

Turbo had sprained his tail. A dog can “overuse” their tail, thereby straining the coccygeal muscles used to wag and support it. A sprained dog tail, according to PetMD.com, is also referred to as cold tail, dead tail, limber tail, swimmer’s tail, frozen tail, limp tail, sprung tail, and broken tail. Ouch!

In many cases, a dog with cold tail physically exerted their tail. Often, cold temperatures and swimming – due to the powerful usage of the tail during water turns – are suspected culprits for a sprained dog tail. Prolonged transportation in a kennel where a dog cannot “stretch out” could also be a factor. PetMD also notes that this condition tends to affect retrievers, hounds, and hunting dogs more often than other breeds, but any dog could be affected.

Turbo had not done anything in excess of his normal routine of hiking, advanced obedience lessons, fetch, neighborhood walks, and swimming. However, he must have done one of those activities with more enthusiasm than usual. I sometimes see him just thumping his tail against a wall or the floor when he’s really happy. Joyful tail whacking can be hard to stop, but I now try to interrupt this tail whacking to prevent another injury.

Causes of Limp Tail

Any type of strenuous activity that causes a dog to use its tail can cause limp tail. Some common reasons include:

Swimming in cold water

Active hunting

Strenuous exercise

Hard play sessions

Dog sports and activities like agility, fly ball, and dock diving practice

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, an injury may occur.

K9 VET – Cold Tail or Limp Tail

Your dog uses his tail for a variety of things. But two of the most important things his tail helps with are balance and communication.

For example, your pup’s tail helps him relay information to other dogs, it keeps him swimming in a straight line when he uses it like a rudder, and it allows you to understand when he is scared, happy or wants something from you (spoiler alert: He always wants something from you).

Unfortunately, dogs often suffer injuries to their tail, which can cause them pain and prevent them from communicating properly with humans and other dogs.

Accordingly, you’ll want to address your dog’s wrecked wagger as soon as possible, to eliminate any pain and ensure that he can behave in the way dogs are meant to.

Below we’ll discuss the different types of tail injuries that occur, explain why your dog may suddenly have a limp tail, outline the primary methods by which tail injuries are treated, and share a few ways to help avoid them.