My dog growls at her tail and attacks herself. What should I do?

This type of behavior can be from anxiety, sure. But it is best to rule out a medical reason first. I have seen dogs do this behavior when their anal glands are full or impacted. I have seen them do this with urinary issues (like a UTI). Sometimes it is phantom pain from arthritis (in the tail). My suggestion would be to have Ruby evaluated by your vet before just assuming it is a behavioral issue. Just my opinion. If CBD makes her too mellow, and you want to try something else first, my suggestion would be to try a natural calming collar or something like D.A.P. (pheromones). If this doesn't help then talk to your vet about other options. ( # ) ( https://www.entirelypets.com/dapdogappher.html ) Best wishes!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Riki. I would consider asking his veterinarian about a medication trial on him as he seems to be displaying signs of a compulsive disorder. If he is injuring himself or exhausting himself by this behavior, that is not normal. If his veterinarian is not comfortable prescribing psychotropic drugs, then he may need to see a veterinary behaviorist. I hope this information helps!

It sounds like you have a dangerous situation going on. This is too big of a problem for a quick answer on the forum, but I will tell you that this is going to take a lot of work and time, and may never end up the way you want it to. I really feel that you need to ask your veterinarian for a referral for a good behaviorist in your area. If this is not someone you can devote some time and likely financial resources to, then you may need consider not keeping her. I am sorry you are experiencing this, I have been through something similar and it is very difficult. In the meantime I would order her a basket muzzle to keep on her when others are around to lessen the likelihood of her injuring someone. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

It would be hard to say. If your vet can't find any health issues, I would see if there is another trigger - time of day, location, specific events that happen (are you putting down food first? Could there be a critter in the wall?) or if something new has happened (new person, new pet, etc). This may help you pinpoint a cause which you can then use to adjust behavior as needed.

There are a number of [bitter sprays]() and anti-chew sprays which can be applied directly to the pet to prevent [licking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-keep-licking-himself), but these are seldom successful in compulsive issues. I would be concerned that there may be an underlying source of discomfort or anxiety causing him to do so much damage to himself. I strongly recommend you get a full physical check up including his anal glands, hips and spine. Consider complimentary therapies such as [acupuncture or chiropractic care](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-natural-treatments-for-dog-anxiety) to treat pain or anxiety. A [certified veterinary behaviorist](https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709) may be required to address behavioral concerns once medical causes have been ruled out.

Hello. This can be very difficult as you are trying to rationalize an irrational situation for her. You can ask your veterinarian for a safe tranquilizer, like low dose Trazodone, & also use a Adaptil ( DAP ) collar. You will need to monitor her 24/7 when the puppies are with her. If she continues to show aggression, you will just have to raise the puppies yourself, & please do not consider rebreeding her. She will most likely not change her behavior. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This could be behavioral, but he could also have a neurological problem or infection of the viol's gland on the tail. He will need a veterinary exam to rule out medical problem first. If there aren't any you can then address the behavioral issue. You should, in any case, keep him from reaching and biting his tail and thus avoid self-mutilation.