Tail chewing won't stop!
AmyJo
Kansas
Ella will not stop chewing on her tail.
It was mostly healed up, scab was gone, no hair had grown back and she started chewing at it again today to where she has it bleeding again.
I am so frustrated!
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2432 x 4320 - 3M
Comments
1. Boredom OR hyperactivity
2. Something health related (allergies, fleas...)
Some dogs chew their tail out of boredom. For example, if the dog is alone for longer periods of time and does not get enough entertainment over the day - I am NOT just reducing this to exercise alone on purpose, because exercise is not the only way to keep a dog away from boredom. Mental exercises, items to chew on and just interaction with the dog are all ways to keep it entertained.
Bull Terriers are prone to several obsessive behaviors, which can make it very important to redirect the attention and energy to other activities.
The opposite of boredom is hyperactivity. Some people tend to provide theirs dogs with excessive amounts of exercise, hoping that this will drain the dog's energy and help to calm it down and keep it away from mischief. Unfortunately too much exercise can also have negative effects. Very active dogs, such as Bull Terriers often need to LEARN how to calm down and find rest. I "show" my dog when I want her to take a rest AFTER a very active phase. When she was younger I even locked her in her crate after playtime for half an hour now and then, like I would put a child to bed for a nap, to calm down and come down from that hyperexcited mood.
Calming moments, just cuddling with the dog, stroking or massaging it can be very beneficial for very active dogs with difficulties to dial down.
If dogs stay in that "hyper" mood, that tends to seek outlet through displacement activities, one of which can be the tail biting.
The second possible trigger are health related issues. Everything that causes itch can trigger excessive scratching and biting basically anywhere on the body. If something like this is suspected to be the trigger for the biting, it is important to find causes and treat symptoms until then - give itch relieving medication, if necessary use a cone, so the dog can't reach the spot, disinfect carefully ....
BUT again in this case it is VITAL to find the cause and not just settle on treating the symptoms. Because as long as the trigger is present, the biting will likely be was well.
Now it's up to you to look into your dog's life and see, if any of the above applies to your situation. And then go from there.
It is impossible to give a rock solid diagnose on such things over the internet without actually seeing the individual and knowing a lot more about the surrounding circumstances.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com