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Why is my dog suddenly chewing the tip of his tail? What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old

Dog will not stop chewing his tail. It is in the same spot (located near the tip of his tail) this just started over the last couple of days. Advice??

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 21st, 2016

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.

13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 1st, 2017
It does look like he has rubbed his tail and caused irritation to the skin below. Fleas is a possibilty for this but I cannot rule out other allergens or tapeworms without seeing him. If he has fleas, then he may have a flea allergy- meaning he is allergic to the bite of the flea. I recommend taking him to the vet to check over his skin and get medications to combat the allergy. Also pick up a flea prevention from the vet- not all preventions are the same and flea collars don't work. You need to treat all the pets in the home and treat for a minimum of 3 months in a row. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 1st, 2017
He could have allergies or his anal glands could be full. You should have your vet check his gland to see if they need to be expressed. It is common for dogs to chew at their tail when their glands are full. If not, you could ask your vet about putting him on an anti-histamine and/or a steroid to see if the problem resolves. If it resolves with treatment than he probably has allergies and may need to stay on an anti-histamine long term.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 3rd, 2020
I recommend to have Tank examined. The yelping indicates pain which is unusual. The two most common causes of problems in that area are fleas or anal gland problems. Your vet will likely be able to shed some light quickly on the cause. Have him examined within the next 24 hours. Protect the area from any licking by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

Check your dogs for fleas. This is a typical area where fleas congregate. If you have not done so, start flea prevention on all of your dogs and regularly vacuum your house and furniture as well as non-carpeted areas, wash bedding in hot water. If the itching does not stop after a few days (after using flea prevention), take your dog to a vet for an exam as there may be other causes such as a fungal or bacterial or mite infection.

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Why is my dog chewing his tail until it bleeds and loses hair?

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Why is my dog itching her tail, causing a bald spot? How to stop it?

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.

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Why is my dog chewing her tail and getting sores on her back?

This is a common area for dogs to chew when they have fleas, and it is possible that is what is causing Princess's symptoms. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If Princess is up to date on her flea treatments, other causes include mites, allergies, and ringworm. In that case, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the biting and sores is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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