What it is
A dog's tail is moved by muscles at its base, and they work harder than you might think: balancing, steering in the water and, above all, wagging. In limber tail those muscles are strained and damaged, swell inside their tight surroundings and hurt, so the dog holds the tail still and lets it drop.
It is linked to overuse rather than an injury from outside: a long swim, especially in cold water, a hard day of work or play, or hours in a crate with no room for the tail. A sudden jump from a quiet routine to a long, active day can bring it on too.
While the tail is sore, your dog may not want to sit, may lie in odd positions and may not want its back end touched. Give it a quiet spell and gentle handling, and build up long swims and busy days gradually rather than all at once.
Signs you may notice
- Tail hangs limp from the base
- No wagging
- Pain when the tail is touched
- Awkward sitting or lying down
- Tail held out briefly, then drops
The tail hangs straight down from the base, or sticks out briefly and then drops, and the dog reacts with pain when you touch it. Sitting down or lying down may be awkward, and the usual happy wagging disappears.
When to see a vet
Book a visit when the tail suddenly goes limp, so that an injury or another problem can be ruled out. If your dog also struggles to walk, wets itself or seems in a lot of pain, have it seen promptly.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.