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Why is my dog not wagging his tail? Could it be injured or hurt?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 4 years and 7 months old | 4 lbs

I have a male chihuahua. He is not lifting or wagging his tail this evening which is very unlike him. His tail is usually very high and fast. He is not lifting it at all mostly but when he did it looked not like e his usual wag. I am concerned something has happened to it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 6th, 2018

Very gently feel every bone in the spine starting at the neck towards the tail. Include the tail. Your dog may have injured its spine or tail. If there is a pain in the spinal cord (he may react at the area where he is in pain) then you should take him to the vet for an exam and treatment right away. If you cannot find a spot where it hurts, you may want to observe your dog and see whether it gets better and take him to the vet if does not improve or gets worse. Your vet will examine the spinal cord, do an x-ray to make sure there is no fracture or slipped disc, and give your dog a general exam in case the source of the pain is somewhere else (abdomen, muscles).

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on September 26th, 2018
As an older dog, he may be getting arthritic and this can affect the tail, even if the discomfort is in his hips or back. He also may have gotten it caught in something, whacked it wagging if he's really enthusiastic, got pinched in a door, there are a number of possibilities. I would keep an eye on him and if it doesn't significantly improve in a day or two, consider getting him seen by your vet to make sure there isn't some underlying condition that may be making him uncomfortable.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog's tail suddenly won't wag. Why is it just hanging limp?

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My dog's tail isn't wagging, but she shows no pain. What's wrong?

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