Can Dog's Break Their Tails
A wagging tail is a sign that a dog is happy to see you when you return home. What would happen if this tail became injured? Can dogs break their tail?
A dog's tail is an important part of its body. Dogs communicate through the movements of their tails, displaying a range of emotions and reactions.
Yes, dogs (and cats too) can break their tail. Not all dog breeds are prone to suffering broken tails.
The most active dogs are at a higher risk because they are always up and down.
Dogs with low activity levels have a low risk of developing this condition.
The tail of a dog is a complex structure consisting of bones, blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. Just like any other part of the dog's body, the tail can also break.
Have you ever stepped on a dog's tail? The kind of wail they make should tell you how painful it could be.
What are the Signs of a Broken Tail?
Determining if a dog has a broken tail can be difficult unless there are visible signs such as swelling or rupture.
Is a broken tail painful for a dog? Some tell-tale signs to look for that can show you that the dog may be in pain and suffering from a broken tail include;
A swollen tail - This can possibly be an indication of an internal clot resulting from the injury.
Visible ruptures - If you see a rupture on the tail of your dog, contact your veterinary immediately.
Unusual behavior - If you notice your dog chewing on their tail (or your dog's trying to curl their tail between its legs all the time) it may be an indication that it is feeling pain and the tail may be broken.
Hair loss on the tail - Hair loss is one indication that your dog may have suffered from some sort of abrasion.
Painful wags - If your dog is unable to wag it's tail freely, they may have suffered a tail break.
Whining dog - If your dog is producing low whining sounds, it's possible that it may be in pain and possibly be suffering from a broken tail.
Dog's instinctively are very protective of their tail during this time.
Bent tail - If your dog's tail is visibly bent at an awkward angle, consult your veterinarian.
Nasty smell - Infections and injuries smell nasty. If your dog smells bad but you cannot seem to figure out where the smell is coming from, check the tail. If the tail is emitting nasty odors, there is a possibility that the dog could have a broken tail.
The nasty smell may also be coming from an infected area. If this is the case, get the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the tail and body.
Dog clinches to your touch - When your dog tries to prevent you from touching its tail (or clinches when you touch it gently), it may have a broken tail.
A change in walking style and gait - If you notice your dog walking differently, dragging its hind legs - you should ask your veterinarian to check your dog's tail.
They could be walking like that as a way of minimizing the discomfort and pain they are feeling on their broken tail.
Your dog starts pooping and peeing anyhow - If you have a well-trained dog and suddenly you find it peeing or pooping on the floor, this can be concerning.
It's possible your dog is feeling pain and unable to relieve itself the right way, it chooses to defecate on the floor where the pain is minimal.
Limber tail versus broken tail
In certain cases, dogs may experience a condition known as "limber tail syndrome." A veterinarian can provide a diagnosis following a thorough examination.
This is a condition in which the tail becomes bent due to prolonged exposure to various elements or confinement in a small space.
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Preventing your Dog from Breaking its Tail
Taking preventative measures is more beneficial than waiting for the situation to worsen and needing to find a cure.
A dog with a broken tail may experience significant discomfort or pain.
To prevent this from happening, you can take several precautions:
Keep your pets on a leash - Dogs have a higher chance of breaking their tails out in the woods or wild.
If you are taking a walk with your dog, keeping them on a dog harness to control how they interact with the environment and minimize the possibility of getting themselves into situations where they can easily break their tails.
Get rid of hazardous material around the house - Dogs like exploring and they will play with everything they come across in the yard.
Some items (such as cutting tools) can pose a serious risk to the health of your dog.
To prevent the possibility of a nasty accident, place these items where your dog can't get to them.
Keep the dogs in open and adequate spaces - Do not keep your dogs in tiny places where they are forced to curl in awkward positions when they want to rest.
If you need to crate them, make sure they are in a spacious kennel, by providing space you'll reduce the possibility of the dogs hurting themselves.
How Serious is a Broken Tail
If your dog has a broken tail, it is recommended to take them to the vet. The veterinarian will perform the required tests and provide a plan of action for recuperation.
If the dog's skin is exposed, they will clean, treat and bandage the affected area.
The vet will also offer you advice on how to take care of such a condition.
If swelling is present, it is recommended that a warm compress be applied in order reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
In addition, they will provide guidance on administering medication and conducting warm compresses for your dog.
In severe cases, the veterinary may recommend setting the dog's bones or conducting surgery to restore the tail's structure.
The tail is part of the dog's spine and this could mean that the spine may also suffer if the tail is broken.
Can a Dog Recover from a Broken Tail
When it comes to a broken tail, pet owners should always seek out the advice of a vet.
Depending on the type and severity of the break, a minor injury may only need immobilization with bandaging and limited activity (such as no jumping or running).
However, if the tail fracture is more severe, resetting is needed in order to have bones regrow in alignment and proper form.
In cases where the fracture is beyond repair or it causes an infection, amputation may be necessary.
No matter what kind of tail injury your pet has, it’s best to take them to see a vet as soon as possible.
Prompt action can ensure faster healing and recovery for your pet and prevent any further complications from arising.
Moreover, if you have any concerns about your furry friend’s health – from broken tails to serious medical conditions – then seeking veterinary assistance is the best course of action.
Pet owners should always remain vigilant when it comes to their pets’ wellbeing.
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