What is Happy Tail Syndrome?
The happy tail syndrome occurs when dogs damage the tips of their tails by hitting surfaces. This condition is often caused by dogs wagging their tail.
The condition can be a miserable one for both dogs and their owners. This condition is not pleasant for dogs and their owners. The dog’s tip becomes cracked, dried out and begins to bleed from the repeated striking of its tail against surfaces.
The condition can be painful to the dog, but also frustrating to you as a pet owner. This condition may lead to nerve damage and infection in the long run. The tail is often amputated in order to stop the dog from slamming it against hard surfaces.
This condition is more common in large-breed dogs that have powerful tails. Pit Bulls and Greyhounds are often affected by this problem, as well as Shepherds, Great Danes and Pit Bulls.
Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms
Pet parents often notice blood on their carpets and search for the wound in their dog. Pet parents might notice hair fall and cracks in the tail before they start bleeding. The dogs behave as normal, including eating, drinking and urinating.
Happy Tail Syndrome and Dogs
The following can cause a happy tail:
- The excessive tail-wagging of dogs and their frequent hitting on hard surfaces in the house
- After a stay in a boarding house or other tight spaces where their tails can be easily beaten
- Fences, doors, furniture, and walls can cause damage to the tail.
Happy Tail Syndrome: How veterinarians diagnose it in dogs
Most veterinarians are able to diagnose the syndrome by looking at symptoms and breed. Your vet might want to perform routine bloodwork in order to check for signs of low platelets or anemia, or a specialized test to determine clotting. Your veterinarian might also suggest checking the liver, kidneys and long-term anti-inflammatory medication.
Happy Tail Syndrome Treatment in Dogs
Medically treating happy tails can be difficult. Many dogs require surgery to reduce the length of their tail so that it can’t hit surfaces. Before recommending an amputation, your veterinarian might try alternative therapies.
The bandage will be applied to the tip of the tail in order to prevent bleeding. To help the tail heal and prevent the necessity of amputation surgery, the other important component is stopping the dog’s tail from wagging. The tail can heal with sedatives. It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. The healing process will be longer if your dog keeps traumatizing the tip of his tail.
Most likely, your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatories and antibiotics combination. Veterinarians might recommend Omega 3 fatty acid or topical Vitamin A or E oils to help prevent cracking.
Some veterinarians may recommend a tail strap that is designed for longer-term use, such as Happy Tail Saver. Pet parents and veterinarians will use pool noodles or other items repurposed to cushion the tail. Many dogs are uncomfortable with the happy tail, and will chew the item off. This can cause a larger problem of foreign bodies stuck in their intestines. The e-collar will prevent your dog from removing the bandage, from licking or biting the tip of the tail, and even eating it.
Happy Tail Syndrome and Dogs: Treatment, Recovery and Remission
Dogs use their tails to communicate their emotions with other people and animals. These dogs often require surgical amputations to reduce the length of their tail so they can’t swing it violently enough to cause injury.
Some dogs may have only one instance of Happy Tail. This is especially true if the incident occurred in an enclosed space, such as at a boarding or kennel facility. After the initial bouts, you may notice that your dog’s tail will heal. However, if this happens again and the amputation is necessary, it can be very upsetting.
The length of time it takes to heal the tail depends on a number of factors. One is whether or not you have prevented further trauma. Your veterinarian will want to check the healing of the tip of your tail if it does not heal after two weeks of sedatives, bandaging and dressing.
Owners often become frustrated, so they elect to amputate the tail in order to avoid further pain and trauma. The recovery time for a tail amputation surgery is the same as that for a neuter or spay, and most dogs recover well. The tail may be an integral part of their personalities and emotions but they can still remain their happy, normal selves even though it is a vital component.
Happy Tail Syndrome FAQs
Can you treat happy tail syndrome at home?
Sometimes you can treat mild cases at home. You can use balms to moisturize the tips of your dog’s tail and prevent bleeding. Bandages may cause injury to the animal’s tail because there is so little tissue.
Does happy tail hurt dogs?
A happy tail hurts when the tip of your tail starts to crack and bleed. This condition can become more painful over time. Dogs may self-mutilate the tip of the tail, or lick it to increase infection risk.
Does happy tail hurt?
The tip of a tail can heal if the pain is relieved with sedatives and medication. Many times, if the tail doesn’t heal properly, veterinarians or pet owners will choose to amputate it.