April 16, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health

One of the most endearing traits of many dogs is the way they wag their tails. This enthusiastic display lets us know that our dog is happy, content and enjoying life. That is why injuries to the tail can be upsetting for canines and humans alike.

Many times, tail wagging is done unconsciously, kind of like blinking. That is why it is easy for a dog's tail to get injured. The most common cause of injury is trauma – tails often get stepped on, trapped in doors or simply slammed too hard against something while wagging. Many dogs that love swimming also get tail injuries.

If your pooch is wagging its tail far less than normal, you should check for an injury. Signs of a tail injury may include the presence of a wound or puncture, and the pooch may whimper or seem like it is in pain when you touch the area. Sometimes, the dog may not even be able to lift its tail because of the pain. Because the tail has a rich nerve and blood supply, even the smallest injuries can cause your dog a lot of pain and can bleed easily.

As soon as you discover a tail injury, bring your dog to the veterinarian for treatment. Usually a vet can diagnose a tail injury from a physical exam, but they may also need to take an x-ray to make sure there aren't any secondary bone fractures.

Your vet may use pet products like bandages to keep the area protected while it heals, and depending on the wound, the pooch may need a topical treatment to help it heal. Sometimes pet drugs like an oral antibiotic are prescribed in these situations if the wound has gotten infected or to simply prevent infection. If you are prescribed a pill like Amoxicillin that is not chewable, it might be easier to give to your pooch if you hide it in Greenies Pill Pockets.

Pain medications like Previcox may also be prescribed to help your dog feel better as the wound heals. Before you know it, your happy wagging pooch will be back to greet you!

Related posts:

1. What the wagging really means
2. Prepare for risks at the dog park
3. Knee injuries are common in working dogs
4. Cut the costs for Kitty and Fido
5. Protecting the joints of your working dog