My dog's tail is sore after I pulled it. Is it a sprain or just sore?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This would warrant a veterinary evaluation for further assessment and treatment. These types of traumatic lesions can result in a fracture of the tail which can be quite painful. Even when a fracture is not present, this tends to result in a lot of pain. They would be able to evaluate her and at the very least start medications for pain. Good luck and have a good night!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I know you feel bad! We see this happen a lot, puppies and kittens are very squirmy! I would say that 98% of the time the puppies are fine. If she is walking well and not limping, is playing and eating I think she falls in to the category! She still may be a bit sore and that is why her tail isn't wagging. I would watch her closely and I bet she will be 100% very soon! I hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While an anal sac issue is possible, other things like potentially a soft tissue injury to the tail, a fracture of one of the tail bones and even a condition called "lumber tail" appear more likely. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They should be able to localize his pain and proceed with diagnostics if needed as well as prescribing a medication for pain if it seems indicated. Good luck and have a good day!

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dan. He could be holding his tail down because he has pain in his lower back or hips. Holding his head down slightly can also be a sign of spinal pain. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

It could be he is in pain leading him to now want to jump. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd keep an eye on the sore for now. If it gets worse or appears infected, have him seen by a vet.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kayne! I do not think the tail pain is from the shock collar but from over working the tail or the back. Happy tail is possible which is a strain or strain of the tail from wagging or hitting the tail against something, wagging a lot or from swimming. It is also possible his lower lumbar back hurts instead of the tail. He should be seen by your Vet and prescribed safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Rest him for a week. I wish Kayne a speedy recovery!