Why is my dog acting weird, tail down, and constantly moving?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dan. He could be holding his tail down because he has pain in his lower back or hips. Holding his head down slightly can also be a sign of spinal pain. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Check your dog's abdomen by pressing gently into the sides of his belly. If it is [bloated](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bloating-in-dogs/), hard or feels like a drum, then you need to [take him to your veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit) or a veterinary ER right away. This pacing and not being comfortable can be a sign of abdominal pain or [stomach upset](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach). If this does not subside or if your dog has additional symptoms, he needs to be seen by a vet right away.

The tail being down could be a signs of a few things including fleas, anal gland issues, a wound on the tail or a soreness to the tail. Check his tail for injuries or soreness by gently palpating the tail. Check for fleas on the tail, lower back and the back of the hind legs-sometimes you see fleas and sometimes you just see flea dirt (poop) which looks like flakes of pepper. If you don't see anything, take him into the vet to have his anal glands checked. I hope this helps and Bandit starts feeling better!

If he is chasing his tail I would recommend having his anal glands checked. Sometimes if they are full it can make dogs feel uncomfortable. If a Pit Bull's ears are not cropped they are usually always hanging a little. If he isn't acting right a veterinarian visit is warranted. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While an anal sac issue is possible, other things like potentially a soft tissue injury to the tail, a fracture of one of the tail bones and even a condition called "lumber tail" appear more likely. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They should be able to localize his pain and proceed with diagnostics if needed as well as prescribing a medication for pain if it seems indicated. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Buzz so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. She may be standing differently due to abdominal pain or if her butt and tail are in a different position, she may have an anal gland issue. I would also recommend having her blood tested to make sure that there are no abnormalities that need to be addressed. I hope this helps and that Buzz gets better soon. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It's possible he has some sensitivity or discomfort. It could be associated with the bath or completely unrelated. Monitor him for lethargy, restless or sensitivity around his back end. Look him over for obvious signs or injury such as bruising or swelling. If you notice anything or if he develops any of these symptoms, have him examined by your veterinarian.