Sacral dimple. A dip in the back close to the tail. This can be seen by a different hair pattern or an open lesion. In mild cases if you run your thumb along your dog's spine, you may feel a slight dip near the tail.
This area at the base of your dog's tail is full of sensitive nerve endings. As such, the scratching sensation in this area is quite pleasurable to our canine companions.
The tail pocket is a small indentation- or pocket – located just under the dog's tail and created by a fold of wrinkly skin. Sometimes, it can be on the top of the tail, or around the tail depending on the dog. Most often, they resemble a dimple on the dog's butt until you take a closer look.
The supracaudal gland (violet gland), which is found on a dog's tail, secretes oils, lipids, and protein. Sometimes, this gland secretes too much androgen, which can raise levels and can cause a bare spot in that area called stud tail (supracaudal gland hyperplasia).
A tail pocket is a small indentation or dimple located beneath or on top of a dog's tail. The tail pocket can collect dirt and dust throughout the day, and if not cleaned regularly can become irritated and inflamed. Many pet owners don't even realize their dog has a tail pocket until it becomes irritated or infected.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the number one cause of excessive tail chewing in dogs and may require flea treatment, antibiotics and/or steroids to stop the itching. Other allergies can also result in tail chewing.
When a dog holds his tail he is indicating that he is stressed, unsure or fearful. When the tail is tucked beneath the abdomen, the dog is very frightened. When the tail is held just below the topline, the dog might simply be unsure.
A dog's tail has 20 vertebrae (although some breeds with short tails have less) and can pack a pretty good wallop. Happy tail syndrome in dogs occurs when this strong tail repeatedly hits solid objects with force during a wagging session, resulting in the thin skin of the tail splitting open.
Docking complications
A tail neuroma is a thickening of the stump at the site of the tail amputation.
The tail tip first becomes hairless. In addition to hair loss, the skin itself may already be bloody or brittle. In later stages, the skin on the tail-tip turns black and may exude a foul smell. Affected dogs scratch and bite at their tail vigorously.
Dogs can feel this built up pressure and will try to express their anal glands on their own. They can do this by scooting their butt across the floor or by chewing and licking at the rectal area.
Some dogs might resist you touching their paws simply because it makes them feel awkward or vulnerable. While the leathery bottoms are padded to withstand changing terrain and temperatures, the tops are among the most sensitive parts of a dog's body.
A cluster of nerves located under the skin makes up the dog sweet spot. When you scratch your pet's tummy and hit this spot, these nerves get activated and send a message to the hind leg, via the spinal cord, to start kicking in an attempt to dislodge the source of irritation.
Although some dogs will turn inside out for any touch at all, most don't like their paws handled, aren't fond of anyone messing around with their hind legs or genitals, and downright hate pats on the top of their head. Of course, every dog — like every person — is different.
Acute caudal myopathy typically results from overuse of the tail, causing a strain or sprain of the muscle groups used for tail wagging. Possible scenarios leading to limber tail include vigorous play within the previous 24 hours, prolonged swimming, or active hunting within the past few days.
A: Tail docking of some breeds may be based on a belief that their non-working members experience risks similar to working dogs; more commonly, however, it is to conform to a distinctive breed appearance or standard. Survey data indicate that preventive tail docking of pet dogs is unnecessary.
Complications - As with any surgical procedure, there is potential for complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, delayed healing and necrosis. Neuromas, which have been associated with chronic pain, may develop, but their incidence and persistence is not known.
If your dog's tail is carried downward, closer to its hind legs it can mean several things such as “I'm not feeling good” or “I'm a little depressed.” It could also mean “I feel insecure,” which is especially true of many dogs when they are in an unknown or new setting or situation.
Conditions such as prostate trouble, anal gland inflammation and osteoarthritis may cause your pet to hold his tail down to counteract pain and discomfort. Any dog can be affected by a limp tail, although dogs with longer tails tend to be affected more often.
Who's at Risk for Happy Tail Syndrome? Happy Tail Syndrome most commonly occurs in large short-haired dogs with strong and muscular tails that tend to be more energetic and excited easily. Some of these breeds include Bully breeds, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Dobermans.
If you notice bald spots, excessive hair loss or other skin abnormalities anywhere on your dog's body, be sure to speak to your vet immediately, particularly if symptoms are accompanied by itching, irritated or infected skin, a foul odor, or changes in his behavior.
If you are wondering 'why my dog keeps biting its back end' then it could be due to anal gland issues, skin infections, allergies, or boredom. Pain can also be a cause of obsessive tail biting. Get your dog anal gland issues sorted and schedule regular anal glands flushed at the vets.
Some dogs lick the air when they are enjoying an especially good scratch or petting session. In essence, they are telling you how much they appreciate your efforts.