I have a six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who is obsessed with his tail. He has an exceptionally long and fluffy tail which curls over his back. He has never liked his tail since he was a puppy, and seems to view it as competition to himself. Now and again he would have a go at it, then he would forget about it for months and then start again for a few days. During these times, he did not severely attack it, drawing blood etc but within the past few months he has started to really attack it and draw blood. We have had to start putting on a muzzle to protect the tail. However, as soon as we take off the muzzle, he starts on the tail again. Any suggestions?
Ann Gillies, by email
As the tail is an extension of your dogs spinal cord and central nervous system I would suggest that you would be wise to seek veterinary advice.It must be very uncomfortable to be bothering him to this degree of distress.
ReplyDeleteThe dog is clearly bored and needs a job to do russels are a working breed and were bred to hunt vermin with a high prey drive instinct . So why not join an ajility group and expend his energy , or at least obedience class !!
ReplyDeletehmmm I would have assumed that if he had his tail docked as had been done in previous years your dog would not have to suffer this, however I am sure that if you ask the RCVS or in fact Dogs Today they would have never heard of any dog having any problems with tails since the ban on docking?
ReplyDeleteSadly the tree hugging, sandal wearing, yoghurt knitting do gooders got their way again and your dogs tail had to be left alone, unless of course you can find a sensible vet who know what he is doing and have him docked properly, unfortunately this is not a simple procedure as he is now grown had he been done at a couple of days old then he would not be suffering this condition and the procedure would have been very quick and non traumatic.
I second the vet comment. I have to wonder if it's causing him pain or something for him to attack it like that.
ReplyDeleteI would get this dog to a vet for referral to a behaviour specialist as soon as possible. :-) Karen
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