Why are all my dogs constantly chewing the base of their tails?

If your dog is not currently on any medication for fleas, this is the first thing I would recommend - chewing at the tail, in particular, is very common for dogs with flea problems. If fleas are not the issue, then he may have some other skin problem causing burning and itching in this area, such as a seasonal allergy or a bacterial or fungal infection. Less commonly, chewing at the tail can also be a sign of a nerve problem like lumbosacral stenosis, or a stress-related compulsive behavior. I would recommend having Charlue examined by a vet to determine the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment - usually, antibiotics and steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to resolve this kind of problem.

Most likely the fur feels different due to his chewing on the area. Chewing in this area is most often related to an allergy and most often due to a flea allergy. Even if we don't see fleas crawling on the dog, a few bites can cause a severely itchy response that can last for weeks. I would recommend bringing Thor in for an exam to be sure that is what is causing his issue. The vet can prescribe effective flea prevention such as Nexgard, Comfortis, Bravecto, or Simparica (or another they may recommend) and may prescribe an antihistamine or other allergy medication. In the meantime you can put an e-collar on him to try to prevent him from biting at the area and causing further trauma. A colloidal oatmeal shampoo and creme rinse such as Epi-soothe can also be helpful to decrease itching, as can a fatty acid supplement which are available at your vet and at most pet stores.

A flea bite could've caused itching and caused this, trauma from rubbing against the fence or something like that or even a bacterial infection could've caused this. This area looks pretty red and inflamed and is likely to become infected from her chewing or licking at the site. I recommend keeping it clean and dry and preventing her from lickingor chewing at the site any further. If it does not clear up within one or two days I would have your veterinarian do an exam. If Bella is not already on a strict flea control protocol I would discuss what options your veterinarian offers.

Based on the location, I would be suspicious that Ginger has just a few fleas on her and these are causing the itching. Other things such as allergies can also cause itching. If she is not on a flea prevention, that is what I would recommend to do first. Pick a fast acting oral flea prevention such as comfortis or bravecto. Use it for two months and see if the itching stops. Then explore other causes such as allergies. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Itchiness in dogs, especially on the tail or tail base, can be caused by allergies, such as to fleas, food or environmental allergens. Other causes of itchiness include bacterial infections in the skin, mites such as demodex, and/or fungal infections. Please ensure that Cookie is on a consistent flea and tick preventative medication that was prescribed by a veterinarian. Flea medications/treatments that can be purchased from a food or pet store or online are not safe or effective in dogs. The house itself must also be treated for fleas, with very frequent vacuuming and even "flea bombing". If Cookie is already on an appropriate flea medication year round, I recommend having her examined by a veterinarian for an exam and skin scrape to evaluate for the presence of an infection and/or mites. I hope this is helpful!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and thank you for the pictures! The lower back/base of the tail is a classic area for a flea infestation. Fleas make dogs incredibly itchy, causing them to bite or scratch at the area, and cause hair loss. This area can get very sensitive and painful to dogs. I recommend bringing Nala to your veterinarian at their next available appointment to have her examined. Your vet can do a test to check for fleas, and can perform a skin scrape to see if there are any other external parasites such as mites or lice, or a secondary bacterial infection, that may be contributing to her itching. Nala should be on a consistent flea and tick preventative that can be purchased from your veterinarian. We do NOT recommend using flea and tick products that can be purchased from a food or pet store, as these are not safe or effective for use in dogs. There are no effective "natural" or holistic flea and tick preventatives, either. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Nala!

Poor Girl! Without seeing her in person, it is impossible for me to know what caused it. It could be fleas. Mange usually causes hairloss on other places like the feet and face. She likely has an infection from chewing. I would first put a cone collar on her to prevent the chewing. I would then start her on Benadryl twice a day to help decrease the itching. If it isn't improving, I would have your vet take a look. Your vet will likely want to put her on antibiotics and possibly stronger allergy meds to help it heal. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/