Tail Biting?

[Ranchy]

My almost year old half Blackmouth Cur, half Silver Lacy pup, Rebel, has been biting his tail for about a month, now. No matter what we put on it (nasty tasting stuff or whatever) he just gets to growling and circling, and pretty soon, he's trying to eat his tail off.......there's about a 6" end, just dangling by a skin now........

I thought at first, maybe he was just bored......but that doesn't seem to be the problem........even turned loose, he's not "wild" like he used to be when we first had to start tying him, but still did the tail biting thing.

Should we just go ahead and dock his tail now, or what would you do? I'm seriously concerned with his behavior.....

 

[Jerry H]

ranchy
i have lots of dogs and i have one that chases her tail
although she does not hurt her self the way rebel is doing
i have always blamened it on bordom as working dogs need mind stimulation and if the don't get the will entertain themselves any way they can
as far as breaking this habit i have never heard of a way to do it
i think if you can get him to working regular he might slow down on this but thats just a shot in dark
as far docking his tail i think if he is doing damage to him self like that i would go ahead and dock his tail so he can't hurt himself any more
until later
jerry

 

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

Ranchy,
Don't know that I've ever heard of a dog chasin and biting it's tail to the extent yours is.
Thought you might want the recipe the Vet gave me to keep the horse from bitin at his bandage on his leg. Palpation gel 1 cup - Louisiana red hot sauce 1/3 cup - and 4 Tbls of cayenne pepper. Mixed up and painted on with a brush.
I don't know that I'd put it on the dogs tail tho, it might burn like fire if it is an open wound. I"d dock it.

 

[Mrs.Greg]

My nieces dalmation had this prob Ranchy they tried EVERYTHING to get him to stop it,finally the vet docked his tail...thats probably your best bet.

 

[Kato]

First eliminate skin conditions, allergies, worms, mange, and fleas.

Sometimes a small sore can turn into a big problem because they start chewing at it from being irritated, and then it turns into an endless cycle. The more it's irritated, the more they chew, which irritates it more. Before I'd cut his tail off, I would try putting a cone on him. He'll hate that, but if you can give his tail time to heal, he may leave it alone.

 

[peg4x4]

Dock the tail..There may be nerve damage that causes it to hurt.. If it's that bad(skin dangeling) sooner would be better..