Why is my dog biting his tail, yelping, and constipated?

There are several possible explanations for Rocky's tail licking and barking. If he's licking under his tail, it's possible that he could have full anal glands or worms. If he's licking at the top of his tail or the tail base, it's more likely that he's itchy from fleas or underlying allergies. It's possible that he's barking because he's agitated from being itchy or overstimulated from something else. Regardless, I think it would be best to take Rocky to your vet for an exam that will be able to assess the integrity of his skin and also to check his anal glands. Excessive licking can damage the outermost protective skin barrier, which can allow skin infections to develop, so it's best to get these issues addressed sooner rather than later. I hope that everything goes well!

Most often this behaviour is due to anal glands impaction or intestinal worms. Please, de-worm Rocky if he has not been de-wormed in the last 3 months. If it doesn't help, you will need to see your regular vet to get his anal glands checked.

It could be that Rocky has ruptured his anal sacs, and it's concerning that he is very lethargic and in pain. This really does have to be treated by a vet now. I would see if there is a low cost clinic in your area, if the vet accepts payment plans, or if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet.

Your pup could have impacted anal sacs, intestinal worms, back pain, or hip pain among other causes leading to these symptoms. He does sound very uncomfortable based on your description, and based on that, I would have him seen by an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms, and can treat him for them.

Hello, sorry to hear about Rocky. It sounds like he could have back or neck pain. Other signs may include walking very gingerly, carrying his head low, avoiding stairs and not moving onto furniture, and yelping/crying when being picked up. You should rest Rocky until he can be seen by his veterinarian. This is done by keeping him restricted in his crate, not allowing him to jump or use stairs, carrying him to go to the bathroom but then bringing him back in and do not allow him to run or play outdoors. Use a harness in the meantime and avoid neck leashes. Hope this helps and best of luck.

It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy or fleas. The allergy could be a due to a protein in Rocky's food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Rocky will need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. Since Rocky seems to continually have this problem he may need to be on an allergy medication long term. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control too. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be a classic sign seen with flea allergy dermatitis. If he is otherwise doing well, you can go ahead and start him on a flea preventative. I like Bravecto and Frontline though there are many products available in the market that are also good. If there is no improvement or he actually has a wound associated with this, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. He is adorable! Have a nice day!