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Why is my dog's tail suddenly limp and dropping, but not painful?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | unspayed | 2 years old | 23.6 lbs

My dog's tail goes out about an inch and a half and then drops off. She is a 23 pound miniature Goldendoodle. She is still wagging it, it doesn't seem tender to touch, and she is still playing and wagging as usual. It just seems as if she can't life her tail after about an inch down it. I didn't see any trauma happen to the tail. I noticed it after I got home from work yesterday. Any ideas on what could be wrong?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Hi, it looks as if Ruby may have injure her tail somehow. It is possibly dislocated or broken and she is just not showing signs of pain. A trip to the vet is a good idea to get an x ray to see what is wrong. If it's not bothering her you could leave it and see if it heals on its own. Some tail injuries will heals on their own, but there may always be a "kink" in the tail. If you move the en of the tail to the right and left and she reacts, then there is some pain and she should see a vet. If not, I would keep an eye on it and watch for healing. Good luck, i hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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