How easy is it for us to express ourselves through our words and expressions? However, such is not the case with our dogs. If, as a dog parent, you want to know what your dog is trying to tell you, watch his tail. So, if you want to know more about dog tail down or even your dog’s tail down, in particular, this article has it all covered for you.
Although you can completely understand your dog’s feelings through his body language, the tail of the dog also gives loads of clues to know more about his mood and feelings. The dog tail down sick or the dog tail down pain may tell you much about his pain and sickness if you pay attention. Additionally, the dog tail down between legs and the dog tail down between legs for days show some kind of fear and submission.
Why Is My Dog’s Tail Down?
Now that you have known the dog tail down shows some kind of expression, you must be wondering why it is dog tail down. Look no more as we have it covered for you.
Due To Muscle Injury
The dog tail down may be due to the dog tail injury, such as any kind of muscle injury. This kind of injury can also result in a limber tail. Due to some irritation, an acute inflammation may occur, and the tail becomes limp. It just stays for few weeks, and the tail will become normal after that.
Overexertion
The dog tail down may be due to a cold water tail or broken wag, which usually happens because of overexertion. This overexertion means exposure to cold or swimming in cold water. If you see the dog tail down and not wagging may be the result of overexertion.
Confinement For Long Periods
The dog tail down maybe because of being put in a crate that is very small for him. This may cause a limber tail if kept for long periods. The dog tail down meaning is tail being in one position for a long period.
Neurological Issue
Your dog’s tail down may be due to some neurological issues. The dog tail neurological issue is indicated by factors like disorientation, neck or back pain, seizures, dog tail down and shivering, abnormal eye movements, dog tail down and slight trembling, etc.
When Your Dog’s Tail Is Down?
Now that you have known what a dog tail down and, specifically, your dog’s tail down means, let’s now move to when are the times when your dog’s tail down? Here are the times when your dog tail may be down:
- When he is indicating submission.
- The dog is giving the expression of feeling afraid or anxious.
- Your dog is feeling cold and having broken wag.
- It may also indicate the dog is in pain.
- A cut or a bite may also cause the dog tail down.
A senior dog tail down or an older dog tail down may indicate some stress, cognitive decline, limber tail syndrome, etc. Also, the dog tail down dachshund may be due to hurting the tail. Not only this, there may be some redness or swelling in his glands which may be irritating him badly.
Why Is My Dog Running Around With His Tail Down?
After knowing much about dog tail down, let’s now see why do dogs run with their tail down. Running along with keeping their tail down is a simple indication of the fears in a dog. Your dog’s tail down may be due to something frightening him.
Additionally, if the dog is in pain or is not feeling well overall, the dog tail down can be an indication. If the dog tail down is for more than a few hours, it’s better to get her to a vet.
Do I Need To Take My Dog To The Vet For Limber Tail?
If you notice the dog tail down wagging has stopped, the reason may be a limber tail. Limber tail is a condition that is quite painful for dogs to experience. If your dog’s tail is not wagging as normally and he feels difficulty in standing or walking, it is time to take him to a vet to get a proper checkup.
Here are the signs when you need to take your dog to the vet:
- When you notice the dog tail down along with trouble in standing or walking.
- Your dog is unwilling to go outdoors.
- When he is reluctant or uncomfortable with defecating.
- Gives some vocal signs of pain.
- Is not comfortable while sitting or lying down.
However, the scenarios are not always the same. The dog tail down being petted means he is indicating his submission. This is one of the postures that the dog uses to convey its message. So this is when you don’t need to run to the vet but adore how your dog is submitting himself to your petting.
Dog Tail Down – Did My Dog Break His Tail?
So, how you can tell if your dog has broken his leg when you see the dog tail down? Look no more; we have the symptoms here for you. Your dog’s broken tail may include bending, kink, or swelling in the tail.
Additionally, your dog may show some difficulty in moving or wagging his tail. Not only this, if you see your dog’s tail down and watch him licking it, it is a sign that he is doing it to soothe the wound.
When you see all these symptoms, it is good to check into the veterinarian you always consult.
How Do You Tell if Your Dog’s Tail Is Hurt?
Now that you have known the reason for the dog tail down let’s check how you can tell if your dog’s tail is hurt. Here are the symptoms to know about the hurt of your dog’s tail:
- The tail hangs down, and is a limp tail is when you can tell your dog is hurt.
- When your dog is hurt, you may also notice some alterations in your dog’s gait.
- You see that your dog carries his tail in an unusual way that you have not noticed before.
- Notice that your dog is unable to move his tail like he does when he is excited.
- You find him guarding his tail for no reason.
- There is some kind of change in his normal wagging behavior even when he is enjoying or excited.
- He is wagging his tail on only one side.
- Your dog is either whimpering or giving other vocals.
- There is some unusual hair loss that you see.
- You notice some foul smells coming from his tail.
What Your Dog’s Tail Is Telling You?
Here is what different positions of your dog’s tail can tell you with the dog tail position chart:
- The dog’s tail down and shaking may indicate that the dog feels some nervous energy or is in fear.
- If the dog is wagging his tail to the right, that means he is encountering someone he knows. He may also encounter a dog he has seen before with this gesture.
- When the dog wags his tail to the left, that means he has seen someone he doesn’t know. He may also encounter a dog he has not seen before with this gesture.
- If his tail is high and wagging, he is showing alertness or happiness. However, you can decide what he is showing according to the situation.
- If his tail is between his legs, he is indicating submission to you. This gesture may also indicate his fear of something. You need to decide what he is trying to indicate.
- When his tail is high, and still, he is trying to be dominant.
- Dogs are sharp, aren’t they? Just know that he is trying to take some new information when his tail is held straight.
- Dog tail down while eating may show he fears someone may steal his food. So make sure to give him some space when he is eating his food.
- Dog tail down after meds could be the reason for some after-effects of the medicines. Now is the time that you get in touch with your vet to know about it better.
Why Won’t My Dog Lift Her Tail?
Now that everything about the dog tail down has been discussed, you may be worried about why a dog isn’t lifting her tail. If you are really worried about why your dog isn’t lifting her tail, here is the answer.
Your dog may not be lifting her tail because of suffering from limber tail syndrome. This syndrome is basically another name for acute caudal myopathy. This condition is temporary, and it doesn’t allow the dog to lift its tail, which could be the main reason why your dog isn’t lifting her tail.
How Do You Treat an Infected Dog’s Tail?
After answering everything about the dog tail down, you may want to know how to treat his tail. Here is how you can easily treat your dog’s tail:
Find The Wound
The first and foremost thing you have to do is to sedate your dog. Once you have sedated the dog successfully, now it is the time to find the wound that has been hidden behind the hair. Hairdo not only hides the wound but also holds the blood and bacteria.
The sedation makes your puppy sleepy, and you can easily reach the wound. To treat the wound, it is recommended to use an electric clipper to remove the furs so you can easily do your job.
How Can You Treat a Dog’s Sprained Tail?
Here is how you can easily treat your dog’s sprained tail:
- Your vet can ask you to give your dog anti-inflammatory drugs so that it treats the inflammation. However, it is your job to ask them what needs to be given.
- You can also apply a heating or an ice pack.
- Also, make sure to give your dog proper rest. They don’t need to jump or run.
- Take slowly at first, and then try that your dog walks on a leash.
- Try some physical therapy with your vet’s advice.
- Massage the area of the tail.
- Use a brace so that the joint is put in its place.
How Much Does It Cost to Amputate a Dog’s Tail?
After knowing about the dog tail down, do you want to know the cost of amputating a dog’s tail? Well, we have it covered for you.
Amputation is quite an expensive process, and it takes almost 1050 USD to carry out a dog’s tail amputation. You can visit your vet to know more about the prices, which may vary from place to place.
Why Do Dogs Not Like Their Tails Being Touched?
Honestly, there is no denying to the fact that most of the dogs don’t like their tails to be touched. However, don’t get offended. Your dog may stop playing after you grab or touch his tail because he may start feeling disturbed, scared, or confused.
If you have touched his tail mistakenly, there is not an issue. However, this one experience will make it clear how comfortable your dog is with you touching his tail. It is always a better idea to accept his feelings and discomfort and not repeat touching his tail if he doesn’t enjoy it.
What to do if your dog tail is up? Why do dogs pant in the car?
Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️
Post Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG OR WEBSITE, "Learn About Pet", DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PERSONAL VETERINARIAN AND USE INFORMATION HERE AS GENERAL ADVICE.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, food recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or for pet food related questions.