My dog's tail tip is hairless and dark. Does it need amputation?

There is a wound on the tail tip and the tail itself (bone muscles and skin) is necrotic and slowly falling. I would recommend an immediate check up as wound curettage and antibiotic treatment are needed as soon as possible.

Broken tails do happen and dogs can live normal lives without their tail. I wouldn't worry about this as long as the tail is healthy now. Definitely have it checked out by your vet after you get it just to make everything is ok, but I wouldn't be worried about an amputated tail as long as it doesn't look infected, gangrenous (which is doesn't from the photos), and it can still use the stub. I hope this helps!

Hi, yes it is necessary to see a vet. Jazzy will likely need antibiotics as it looks like the wound is oozing a bit of fluid in the picture. These lesions can be tricky to heal, and the more you keep on top of it, the better outcome you will have. If Jazzy is biting the tail, please use a cone shaped collar in order to refrain her from doing so. Hope Jazzy gets better soon.!

Hi and thanks for your request. Unfortunately this may be right as these type of injuries are very difficult to heal completely (as they are almost impossible to bandage and dogs wag their tail constantly). The vast majority of these injuries, even if look minuscule, end up having a surgical resolution (variable tail amputation).

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tato. Necrosis of the tail is a very serious condition that typically occurs after tail surgery or serious injury. He may have a scab on the end of his tail from repeating damaging from wagging it when he gets excited. Pit bulls can also be prone to an overgrowth of mites known as Demodex. This is usually bald or scabby lesions. Ringworm can also make a crusty lesion. While it is likely not a serious problem for him, it is best for him to see his veterinarian to know for sure. He should certainly be seen though if the lesion grows, bleeds or starts to bother him. I hope this information helps!

Oh no. Poor guy. It sounds like he may have developed limber tail, which is caused by overworking or stressing of the tail muscle. At this point, I would consider having the tail surgically amputated and then getting Debo Foster on stool softeners until he makes a full recovery. Tail amputation from having a happy tail is a common procedure that has to be done in many over-excited pets. Anti-inflammatories will need to be used to help him hopefully regain function of his tail. Until you can get him seen, its best to do cold compresses followed by warm compresses (if allowed) on the tail for 5 mins twice a day. You should then schedule an appt quickly with your vet. I do hope that your pet Debo is able to make a full recovery from his tail injuries soon! Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rex. From the pictures, I'm wondering if I can see a bit of bone there, and it may be his mother bit off the end of his tail. It could also just be dry skin. If he is eating, moving around, and is going to bathroom normally, this can wait until Monday. If he is not eating, is very lethargic, and/or isn't going to the bathroom normally, you need to take him into an ER vet immediately. Best of luck.