Why is my dog's tail limp and hanging down? Could it be limber tail?

Hello. My first inclination is that Ryder somehow injured the tail. This is typical of a tail being shut in a door or stepped on. True limber tail usually involves the entire tail & generally resolves in a few days or a week. I recommend having the tail evaluated to make sure there are no injuries, especially a fracture. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

She may have Limber tail syndrome which is basically a sprained tail. The condition can be painful so she may need an anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Have your vet examine her to determine if treatment is needed.

Firstly feel the tail carefully to make sure it is not broken and there are no obvious lacerations or wounds. She may have trapped it in something or simply overused it and hence it could be painful or sprained. She could have been bitten in the tail or have a wound which has got infected, this can damage it. Sometimes dog's tails become fatigued after being in cold water for a long time, it can cause the muscles to seize up. If you find any sign of infection, wounds or possible damage take her to the vet for treatment. Otherwise give her time and it should improve with rest.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bear. He could have sustained an injury to his tail and it may be painful. If he has had recent trouble defecating, this can also cause the dog to hold his tail differently. Finally, he may have a problem with his anal glands that is causing him pain. If this posture persists, he should see his veterinarian. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be painful to dogs. I hope this information helps!

I see what you mean about Ruby's tail, thank you for providing pictures of it! She could have injured it while you were at work, and I would take her into the vet to have it examined and x-rays. If she did injury, it's possible that the tail could be broken. She also could have done damage to the nerves leading to it. The vet can determine what is causing her to be unable to lift her tail, and can treat her for it.

A limp, painful tail can happen with a tail sprain or ‘swimmer’s tail’, but can also be a sign of a fracture or neurologic disease. Even though you are far from home it sounds like Wilbur may be in pain, so it would be a good idea to have him examined by an emergency vet near you.

Hello. It's hard to know without seeing the dog but he might have a sprained tail, or "swimmer's tail." This is a common condition in large breed dogs like labs who overexert themselves by running for hours, hunting, or swimming. They overuse the tail and it becomes very swollen at the base, extending 2-5 inches toward the tip. These dogs won't wag or use their tails and are very painful when you touch this area. It usually resolves on its own but I like to prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication because these dogs are usually really painful. If it isn't much better now, I'd take him to your veterinarian for pain meds!