Help, what do I do? So my dog, Max, has been obsessively licking his tail lately, and it just started maybe a week ago, but it's gotten worse. It's mostly in the evenings while we're watching TV, around 7 PM, and it's like he goes into a zone and won't stop. I noticed today that there’s a patch where the hair is thinning, and it’s making me super anxious. He’s never done this before, and I don’t know if it’s stress or if something's irritating him. Has anyone else dealt with this? I haven’t changed his food or anything, so I’m at a loss. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
That definitely sounds concerning! When a dog excessively licks their tail to the point of hair loss, it's usually a sign that something's bothering them. Common causes include allergies, which could be environmental (like pollen or dust) or food-related; parasites such as fleas, which are a typical culprit of itchiness; and skin infections or irritations. It might even be a behavioral issue, like anxiety or boredom.
At home, start by giving your dog a thorough check. Look for any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation on the tail. Make sure your dog is up to date on flea prevention as well. You might also try soothing the area with a lukewarm chamomile tea rinse, which can help reduce mild irritation. Just ensure the area is thoroughly dry afterward since moisture can exacerbate skin issues.
Keep an eye on any signs of infection like a foul smell, discharge, or the skin feeling hot to the touch. If your dog seems increasingly agitated or if the skin condition worsens, those would be reasons to seek immediate help.
I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. They can assess the situation more closely and guide you on the next best steps for treatment.
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