Why is my dog chasing his tail, acting low, and his ears are down?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a general sign of discomfort. If this continues, I recommend you check in with your veterinarian for a physical examination to make sure that there is nothing really wrong with him. Hopefully it is just an isolated episode. Good luck and have a great day!

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!

Poor Toby! Yes, this does sound like something that needs a vet visit. It sounds like his rear end is bothering him for some reason - the two most common causes for this are anal gland problems or flea allergies. If he isn't already on a good quality flea medication like Nexgard or Bravecto, this is the first thing I would suggest. If you're positive that he doesn't have fleas, then your vet will need to check his anal glands to see if they are overly full or infected - this is a common cause of discomfort in this area. In that case, the glands will need to be expressed, and he may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication if an infection is present.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Leo! Make sure you check him for fleas and have him on a good flea product. Fleas love the back half of the dog-near tail. If Leo is flea allergic it only takes 1 flea bite, because the pet is allergic to the saliva of the flea, to cause a very itchy skin condition. If there is no possibility of fleas then it could be allergies, pit bulls are susceptible. The ideal treatment for hot spots is shaving the fur away from the affected area, starting antibiotics and steroids, a topical spray and usually an E-collar to keep the pet off the area. With that kind of treatment it usually heals with in 5 days or so. It sounds like Leo is very uncomfortable and would benefit from seeing your Vet. Good luck!

Typically when dogs chase their tails in an obsessive manner it is because they have excess energy they need to burn off. When Jerry starts this behavior try to redirect his attention to something else that would be a better outlet for his energy like playing ball or going for a fast paced walk. If you think Jerry is doing this because his tail is painful or irritating him, then you may want to take him to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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.