Why do dogs have tails? What do they communicate and how do they use them?

It could be that she is itchy. If she is not spayed and is in heat/nearing heat, this can also be a behavior that happens in response. Some dogs may also instinctively scratch or wiggle their tali to the side when petted on the hips or base of the tail. Checking for any parasites such as fleas or ticks on the base of the tail can help alert you to parasites, and if you suspect worms, having a fecal exam done with your local vet can help rule these out.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a general sign of discomfort. If this continues, I recommend you check in with your veterinarian for a physical examination to make sure that there is nothing really wrong with him. Hopefully it is just an isolated episode. Good luck and have a great day!

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.

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!

This is fairly common cat behavior. Many cats become overstimulated by petting. Follow her lead and pet only until she pins her ears back or swishes her tail. You may want to find other ways to spend time with her like playing with a toy together. She isn't necessarily mad all the time - she may just not like cuddling.

I don't see any swelling, which is good, the fact that she wags the tail normally is also a very good sign. there is probably no serious damage, at this point there is no reason to take her to the vet but i would recommend monitoring pain, the wagging (it's important that no part of the tail is dropped while wagged) and the swelling (this can start 24 hours after the damage. if you see any of those change please take her to the vet to get it checked.

Wagging its tail is a sign of defiance! It is basically telling you it is not happy with a situation such as having to go into its cage (No! I don't want to go there! No! I am not going to do what you want me to do!) It is kind of back-talking.....being naughty!