Is your dog losing hair on their tail? You might be curious if it is just falling out due to age, a result of your dog chewing on their tail, or a larger health concern. Your dog’s itchiness and red skin could be a result of allergies, fleas, hormones, some kind of behavioral disorder, or in rare cases, a food allergy.
While the exact cause of a dog losing tail hair cannot be determined without the assistance of a veterinarian, there are clues to notice at home that you can monitor and will provide valuable information for your vet.
Is Your Dog Chewing Hair Off Their Tail?
The most important thing to notice is whether your dog is chewing on their tail or not. Tails will have rough, frizzy, and broken hair if a dog is chewing at it too often. The hair may also be wet with saliva. In addition, the skin on the tail will likely be red, inflamed and could have open sores from aggressive chewing.
If your dog is chewing, then it could be a flea allergy, especially during warmer months when fleas are more active. If your dog is allergic to fleas, just one bite can cause them to go crazy and chew their tail severely enough to create open sores. 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. A dog losing hair on their tail may be the result of a condition called atopy (environmental allergies) or food allergies. Dogs with these types of allergies may benefit from being placed on a science based therapeutic diet. Your veterinarian can provide specific nutritional recommendations when needed.
Another reason a dog may be chewing their tail is because of anal gland issues. If you notice your dog licking and chewing their anus in conjunction with scooting, or if the anus looks swollen, then anal glands may be the problem. Treatment for anal gland issues could include anal gland expression, antibiotics, pain medication and potentially require surgery if the anal gland is infected or abscessed. If your dog has repeated anal gland issues, your veterinarian may also recommend a science based therapeutic diet.
Another (gross) cause of tail chewing could be intestinal worms. Tapeworms coming out of the anus can be irritating and cause your dog to lick and chew the anal area. The most common symptom of tapeworms is seeing rice-grain-like organisms adhered to your dog's bum. Tapeworms require fleas for their life cycle, and dogs who have fleas can have tapeworms as well — double gross! If you or your vet suspect intestinal parasites, then deworming medication is indicated, and if tapeworms are suspected, flea control is in order, as well.
Tasty Tips
In some cases, dogs can chew the hair off their tails in response to pain. Conditions such as arthritis in the tail, a broken tail, a foreign body like a foxtail stuck in the tail's skin, or lower back pain can all result in excessive tail grooming. Emotional distress from anxiety, fear or behavioral disorders, such as compulsive tail-chasing, can also cause excessive tail chewing. Each of these conditions requires different treatment, so talk with your vet. If your dog is chewing their tail due to behavioral reasons, your vet may recommend a certified dog behaviorist to discuss how to help your dog.
Is Your Dog's Tail Hair Falling Out?
If your dog isn't actively chewing and the tail is still going bald, then it may be time to look into other potential underlying causes. In dogs who are losing hair on the tail without chewing, hair present on the tail will appear smooth and not broken, and the skin is smooth, not red or inflamed.
Hormonal problems, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, can cause hair loss on the tail and sides of the abdomen. Dogs with an underactive thyroid often have weight issues and are lethargic. In addition to other clinical signs, dogs with Cushing's disease can have skin infections and hair loss.
If you suspect a hormonal problem, then your dog needs to be tested for hormonal imbalances. Your vet will likely recommend blood and urine testing and possibly an ultrasound. If your dog has a hormonal imbalance, then there are medications available to help. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with a thyroid supplement, and Cushing's can be treated with medication or surgery.
If your dog is chewing hair off their tail or losing hair due to hormonal issues, then hair regrowth can be expected once they stop chewing the tail or the hormonal condition is controlled. Remember: according to the Dogs NSW Australia, hair grows in cycles, so regrowth will depend on where your dog is in the hair cycle. Therefore, patience is key!
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.