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My dog won't stop licking his tail and barking. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 7 months old | 50 lbs

Why is my dog excessively licking his tail and barking

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 24th, 2021

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 25th, 2017
I'm sorry to hear that Marley is so itchy. Some of the more common causes of licking near the tail include fleas or full anal glands. Be sure that Marley is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly. When some dogs become excessively itchy and lick a lot, skin infections can develop and may require antibiotics or medicated shampoos for treatment. Anal glands are scent glands that usually empty with a bowel movement, but sometimes need to be manually emptied. At this point, I recommend taking Marley to the vet for an exam to assess the situation and determine the cause of this issue so that he can be treated appropriately. I hope that he's on the mend soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on March 3rd, 2020
It could be there is something causing itching such as bacteria, yeast, parasites, etc, or there is an issue instead with the anus/anal glands that Teddy is trying to get to instead. If the area looks red, irritated, wounded or has hair loss, having your vet take a look in person is best to have any issues treated. Placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Teddy can also stop him from being able to lick which may reduce irritation and stop the habit.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog scratching his butt and constantly chasing his tail?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

Poor Rocky! He could be biting his tail and unable to poo because he has impacted anal sacs preventing him from passing feces. I see that he isn't neutered, and unneutered dogs are prone to anal tumors, which would also interfere with him passing feces. Finally, he could be biting his tail because he's suffering from fleas. Rocky has to see a vet for this, as it's quite serious he's biting his tail so much it's bleeding, he's yelping in pain, and hasn't pooped in two days. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Carefree Credit online. http://www.carefreecredit.co.uk https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/vetcare http://www.easipetcare.com I hope one of these resources helps you, please take Rocky into a vet asap.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog licking under his tail? Red spot with pus near bum.

It could be Barkley has an infected anal sac. Put an Ecollar on him to stop him from licking it, and take him into a vet. You can make an Ecollar at home, or buy one at a pet store. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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Why is my dog scratching and chewing his tail even after flea treatment?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog won't stop licking his tail base. Is it allergies or anxiety?

Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since there are many potential allergens. They can include flea bites, environmental/inhaled allergens or food allergies or sensitivities. It can also be caused by behavioral issues, such as boredom or anxiety. Place an e-collar (cone) on Lou to prevent licking. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with your veterinarian. A short course of steroids followed by antihistamines may help stop any itch and prevent it from returning. This may be a seasonal issue or it could be year round. You can also discuss anxiety medications and behavioral modification with your veterinarian. When you see Lou licking, distract him and offer a task, exercise or treat to redirect his attention. If he complies, praise and reward him. Be patient and be consistent. Limit his exposure to chemicals and cleaners to see if it makes a difference. Remove any candles or air fresheners from the home as well.

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Why is my dog licking his tail excessively? What could be wrong?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. This is typically a sign there is a problem around that area. Dogs when they have an area that bothers them they lick it a lot. Licking around this area could be due to impacted and/or infected anal sacs, fleas, or intestinal worms. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. The way to know for certain is to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this licking and can treat it, such as expressing his glands, prescribing flea medication, or giving him a deworming treatment. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog licking his tail, anus, and testicles with hair loss?

Poor guy. I would be concerned about his anal glands being full, or him having a superficial bacterial or yeast infection at the base of his tail. For either issue, a quick vet visit should give him a lot of relief. Even if it started as a an anal gland issue, he may have caused a superficial infection with constant licking and now need a medicated bath or even oral antibiotics. I hope that helps and that he's back to normal soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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