Hello all,

I have a problem with my 15month old springer, Hoolio. He's a very healthy, happy boy; very affectionate and loves playing with me. However, just recently, he's started chewing his tail, to the point where the hair is really short near the tip. More recently, he started chewing the hair around his bum. He doesnt whine or appear to be in any real pain, but he just seems to incessantly chew and go at his bum. I've looked it up on t'internet, and most place seem to say its overloaded anal sacks or something, which need draining. Doesnt expain the tail chewing though, so I dont really know.
any advice would be appreciated :)

Peej

I had a Bichon as a child and when his anal glands needed emptying he would chew all the fur off the middle of his tail and rip all the fur out of the base of his tail - its a sign thats showing they are uncomfortable.  I would take you dog to the vets to get them emptied.

Bess my patterdale does the same each time her anal glands are ready for emptying.  The first sign that we have that they need doing is when she bites her tail (even though it's been docked) to the point of it going bald on one side).  I would take Hoolio to the vets asap as it must be uncomfortbable for him.

Ok thanks, I will book him in shortly.
I know it is irrelevant, cos im taking him anyway, but is it expensive to get it done? (I wouldnt normally ask, but being christmas month and everything, I'm gonna have to re-budget my christmas money hahaha)

No, it should be included in the consult fee.

Hi is it the outside of the tail/ back of tail. or the underside near anus?

If its back of tail i think it maybe a stress issue as my mums ACD does it when noones around, you can get some sprays that taste bitter to stop it, ill have a look for it if you need it. When you see him doing it clap your hands loudly and say leave, or spray some water etc. If this seems to increase the stress try a distraction technique with a kong or such. Going to the root of the problem to stop the stress not divert the problem.

If its near his anus then its probably an iritation from anal glands

Louise

well he started at the tip of his tail, and managed to trim all the hair off towards the end lol. Now he seems to be concentrating more around his bum. I've booked him in for the vets this arvo, and the lady on the phone seemed to think it was his anal glands, so I should have a happy boy by the evening! :)
Thanks all for your help and interest, it's good to know that there are people out there who take time to help other people :)

Well if its tip of the tail and the outside edge i doubt it will be anal glands. but see wat your vet says, it could be a mites he may need a skin scrape etc or special shampoo. but it again could still be pyschological. Google tail mutilation/chewing in dogs and see if it relates to what you see.

Let me know what you think

Louise

Or maybe and allergy but as its in a isolated site i dont think it will be.

Louise

All is good, he went to the vet, and it was his anal glands. All drained, tho it was one of the worst stenches I have ever smelled lol. He is a happy boy again :)

Yay thats good news!! Glad you got it sorted xx

One of mine always chews her front knee when hers need doing, they all have their funny little ways of telling us things.