Things to Know If Your Dog Cannot Move Their Tail 

Things to Know If Your Dog Cannot Move Their Tail 

Have you ever noticed your dog’s tail to be limp and close to their body, as if it were broken?  They may be suffering from something known as “limber tail”.  This can also be referred to as dead tail, broken tail, or broken wag.  Rest assured, this is a common condition in working dogs right after swimming.

Veterinarians explain that limber tail is a condition where dogs can suddenly develop a flaccid, droopy tail.  What happens is that the tail either hangs down from the base or is held out for a few inches then hags straight down.  Pointers and Labrador Retrievers were the first dogs to have this condition.  However, other breeds can go through this as well.  This usually happens after a hard workout or swimming, especially in cold water.  Many studies have shown that there may be mild muscle fiber damage as an underlying cause.

You may be wondering if this hurts?  Limber tail can be painful, and dogs may yip when they try to sit down.  The best thing that you can do is ensure that your dog has a few days of rest to heal the condition.  If you find that after a few days your dog is still struggling with limber tail, you will need to seek veterinary care.  Your veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help speed up the recovery.  If you suspect that your dog has limber tail but hasn’t been swimming, contact your veterinarian immediately.  The condition could be caused by paralysis or loss of blood supply to the area.  You do not want to overlook the issue as it will get worse.