Swollen or blocked
are a frequent cause of bum biting and chewing. There are glands at each side of your dog’s anus. It’s quite common for these glands to get blocked or inflamed, causing discomfort to your dog. This is a painful condition and can often result in infections.
Dog is biting tail: a game
Sometimes dogs chase their tails as a game, because they find it fun! But how can one distinguish dog tail biting as playing from compulsive behavior? If your pup is biting its tail so much that your dog is chewing it’s hair off tail, it’s not a game. In addition, if there are any other additional symptoms which accompany this tail biting, like those mentioned above, it is not a game.
Is your dog bored? Boredom in dogs can lead to them trying to entertain themselves through games such as tail biting. If you notice that your dog is biting its tail out of boredom, take note! Boredom in dogs is one of the main causes of compulsive behavior in dogs. Don’t forget to offer your dog sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Want some ideas on how to properly entertain your dog at home? Take a look at this article where we list some great dog intelligence games at home.
Dog Keeps Biting Rear End – Anal Glands & Yeast
Fortunately this can be as simple as their anal glands need drained. My pup’s is usually due to food allergy issues or consuming something he shouldn’t, like fatty greasy beef in any form, which he just happens to love!
This can lead to the dog chewing the underside of their tail. They will bite at their tail base and back end, underside areas and also scoot across your floor to try to relieve the itch. If you are not comfortable with draining your pet’s glands I recommend taking them to a trained groomer or your vet.
Another cause can be an overpopulation of the *yeast organism creating a yeast infection that has taken root, which usually affects the ears, genital and anal areas and can spread to other parts of the body including between their toes! Certain foods and treats always seem to trigger my pups.
Yeast Infection help can be found here and many places on the web.
Hot spots are the fourth most common reason for dogs biting and itching themselves with dry skin, wounds and parasites being close runner ups.
*We all have the yeast organism present on our skin, even our pets at all times, but certain things such as diet can cause an increase in the presence which can lead to infection.
What to do if your Dog is Biting His Tail
A dog that is excessively biting at his tail should be seen by a veterinarian. A veterinarian can exam your dog and run a few diagnostic tests, which will help find the underlying cause of the tail biting.
Impacted glands will be expressed by the veterinarian. Gland abscesses may need to be lanced. Your dog will be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. An Elizabethan collar might need to be worn to prevent the dog from biting or licking at the area.
Allergies are commonly treated with medications. Dogs with external parasites will be treated with a flea and tick preventative medication. Internal parasites are treated with a dewormer medication.
If x-rays confirm a fractured tail, the dog’s tail may need to be splinted. Tail abrasions or lacerations will need to be cleaned and treated with antibiotic ointment. The tail will be bandaged and your dog will probably have to wear an Elizabethan collar.
Dogs with behavior issues might be treated with medications, or may be referred to an animal behaviorist. An animal behaviorist can observe your dog and make recommendations, which will help with bouts of stress and/or anxiety.
A diet that is high in fiber may help prevent a loose stool. The harder stool will put more pressure on the glands and help them to secrete.
Having your dog on a flea and tick monthly preventative can prevent external parasites. Internal parasites may be prevented by regular deworming. Puppies need to be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Adult dogs should be dewormed twice a year.
Proper hygiene and regular grooming can help prevent matted hair and infections.
Dogs should not be left unattended with small children. Children sometimes can pull or step on a dog’s tail. Hurting the dog may cause the dog to bite. To prevent an injury to the dog or to the child, the pair should not be left unsupervised.
Treatment costs of anal gland disorders may range from $75 to $500. Allergy therapy may cost up to $1,500. Medicinal care to eliminate tapeworm or roundworm may range from $50 to $200.
Treating the conditions that cause your dog to bite their tail can be expensive. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Worried about the cost of treating your pets symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
FAQ
How do I stop my dog from biting the base of his tail?
If these glands become full or infected, they can be painful or itchy for your dog. If your dog is chewing his tail or scooting (dragging his bottom across the floor), he might have full anal glands that need to be expressed (basically popped) by your vet.
Why is my dog biting by his tail?
- Stop Him in His Tracks.
- Apply a Flea and Tick Spot Treatment.
- Examine His Tail for Wounds.
- Look for a Chronic Cause.
- Observe Your Pup’s Behavior.
- Identify a Solution.
- Relieve His Dry Skin.