Fido’s Tail Wags

Dogs have many wonderful qualities. They’re smart, fun, playful, loyal, and loving, just to name a few. They’re also super cute! One of Fido’s most charming attributes is that furry tail of his. Below, a Fort Collins, CO vet talks about dog tails.

As you probably know, dogs often use their tails to communicate. When our canine companions are happy, they let us know by wagging their tails. With some dogs, you may only need to look at your pet for him to start thumping his tail. When Man’s Best Friend is feeling particularly joyful, he may wag his tail so hard his hips move. This super cute way of saying ‘Hi! I missed you!’ is definitely one of Fido’s most adorable habits!

Wagging tails aren’t always a sign of joy. Dogs also wag their tails when they are uncertain, wary, and/or nervous, though this is a much slower movement. This often happens when Fido meets a new person or dog he isn’t sure of yet. In some cases, it can be a warning sign. Ask your vet for more information.

Does your pooch sometimes smack his tail on things so hard that you wince? Unfortunately, our furry pals sometimes wag their tails so forcefully that they actually hurt themselves. This type of injury is known as Happy Tail, and is most common in big dogs with thin tails, like Labradors. Fido can actually hit his tail so hard that he starts bleeding, in which case you’ll also have blood spatters to deal with. Happy tail injuries can have some serious consequences, such as bleeding ulcers and/or infections, so if your canine friend hurts his tail, contact your vet immediately. Love hurts!

Tail injuries can be extremely painful for Fido! It’s very easy for our canine buddies to get their tails caught in doors. Man’s Best Friend is also prone to getting his tail stepped on or caught beneath reclining chairs. Keep a close eye on your pet. When it comes to treating injuries in our furry friends, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure!

Is your pup due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? We are here to help! Please contact us, your Fort Collins, CO animal clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs! We love keeping our furry patients’ tails wagging!