Signs of a Broken Tail in Dogs: Is it an Emergency?

There is no doubt that a fractured tail causes immense pain and distress and can really affect your dog’s mobility and balance. Injured and broken bones in the tail are relatively common and are seen most often in working dogs and young puppies.

How we approach the management of a broken tail in your dog will depend on the severity of the break, if the nerves are involved and where along the tail the fracture is located. For most pets, the prognosis will be excellent, and they’ll go on to make a full recovery.

What Does a Dog’s Tail Injury Actually Mean?

Not all tail injuries are the same, and we need to determine if your dog’s tail is truly broken, or perhaps just bruised or strained.

Is a Broken Tail the Same as a Limber Tail or a Tail Sprain?

‘Limber Tail’ is a relatively common injury that very much mimics a broken tail. Seemingly out of nowhere, a dog’s tail becomes heavy and painful, and they struggle to lift and wag it.

This tail strain is often seen after vigorous exercise or getting too cold, i.e. swimming in cold water or running about in the snow. Most dogs make a full recovery within just a few days.

What Are the Signs of a Broken Tail in Dogs?

You’ll notice right away if your dog isn’t using their tail as they usually would, as something seems immediately ‘off’ about them.

Dog’s Tail Hangs Limp or Bends at an Unusual Angle

You might find that their tail looks heavy and is hanging totally limp. Or, in other cases, the tail may bend awkwardly in the mid or lower section. Sometimes there is a visible kink.

Swelling, Bruising, or Pain When Touched

Gently run your hands along the length of the tail, noticing if you can feel any thickening or if your dog seems anxious or is moving away or flinching when certain parts are touched.

Part the fur to examine for any discolouration or bruising of the skin.

Your Dog Stopped Wagging or Using Their Tail Normally

Pay attention to how your dog is using their tail. Does it hang freely and quickly wag when they are excited, or are they holding it in a more guarded manner and struggling to use it as they should be?

Behaviour Changes

For some dogs, the pain of a broken tail will lead to a sudden personality change. They will be reluctant to be touched, to participate in family life and to go on their walks.

Some dogs might develop an abnormal gait or a new limp. They may hide away, sleep more, go off their food, and some will shake or even whine.

However, be aware that many dogs are stoic patients who will try to ‘get on with it’ and not show obvious signs of being in pain. Even without dramatic behaviour or audible yelping, we could still be dealing with a broken bone.

What Causes a Dog’s Tail to Break?

There are lots of different potential causes for a canine tail fracture.

Can Doors, Cars, or Accidents Cause Tail Fractures?

In my clinic, the most common injury I see is a dog that has had their tail slammed in a car or home door.

Both the force of the door and the dog's attempt to free its tail can cause significant trauma. In very young or small dogs, I’ve also seen tail fractures after they’ve been stood on or layed on.

Are Active or Working Dogs More at Risk?

There is little doubt that active dogs who spend lots of time outdoors are at higher risk of all sorts of injuries, including tail fractures.

Working dogs seem about twice as likely to be affected, with Spaniels reported as the most likely breed to suffer a tail injury.

This is the rationale behind why tail docking was commonplace in the past. However, most countries are now moving away from this, on welfare grounds.

Is a Broken Tail in a Dog an Emergency?

A broken bone causes a great deal of localised pain and inflammation, and this is something that requires urgent vet care.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Vet Immediately?

Head to the emergency vet if your dog has experienced a traumatic injury or is showing signs of a potential tail fracture.

A limber tail (strained muscle) is not an emergency, but these dogs usually won’t develop signs immediately after an injury.

How is a Broken Tail in Dogs Diagnosed and Treated?

Your veterinarian will review your dog’s recent medical history and be interested in any clinical signs they are currently showing.

They should perform a general neurological and orthopaedic exam, focusing on your dog’s lower spine, pelvis and tail. They’ll also assess anal tone to ensure this is intact.

Do Dogs Need X-Rays or Surgery for a Broken Tail?

When a bone break is suspected, X-rays are a very useful and readily available tool that can help to confirm the diagnosis. This would usually be done under sedation, and at least two views of the tail should be taken.

Can a Dog’s Broken Tail Heal on Its Own?

Minor fractures, especially those affecting the tip of the tail, may be left to heal alone. This is especially true in very young puppies. Rest is important, and some tails will be bandaged or splinted.

Vet Note: Tails are notoriously difficult to immobilise, and dogs are Houdinis when it comes to getting tail bandages off!

For more severe breaks and those that occur towards the base of the tail, intervention is usually needed.

Treatment of Canine Tail Fractures

Ultimately, the therapeutic plan will depend on things like the type and specific location of the fracture, if any wounds are present, if there is nerve involvement and your dog’s age.

All patients require pain relief and anti-inflammatories, as tail injuries cause a large amount of discomfort.

Surgical repair may be required in some patients, and amputation is a valid option for very severe fractures.

Amputation would be performed as low down as possible to maintain as much functionality in the tail as possible. Indeed, amputation is well tolerated and a very common treatment plan.

What is the Typical Recovery Time?

Simple breaks can heal in a month or two, particularly in young patients. For more severe injuries, the recovery period can take longer.

How to Prevent Tail Injuries in Dogs

Tail docking is one potential way to reduce the risk of tail fractures, especially if you have a working dog, such as one used in the Police force, or for hunting.

In the UK, tail docking is tightly regulated, and puppies will need to meet very specific criteria if it is to be allowed.

It is a good habit to get into, to always check that any door is ‘clear of tails’ before it is closed. For household doors, door stops can be a good investment.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Contact us at any time if you are concerned about your dog's tail.

You should seek urgent veterinary care if your pet is in obvious pain or distress, if there is an open wound and suspected tail fracture, if there has been a significant trauma (like a vehicle accident) or if your dog is weak or collapsed.

Signs of Broken Tail in Dogs FAQs

How Can I Tell if My Dog’s Tail is Broken or Just Sprained?

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to differentiate between a tail sprain and a fracture. An experienced veterinarian may be able to make a good guess by feeling the area, but X-rays would be the gold standard here.

Should I Touch or Straighten My Dog’s Tail If I Suspect a Break?

It is important not to attempt to manipulate or straighten your dog’s tail if a break is suspected, as this would cause a great deal of pain and could cause further nerve or bone damage.

Can a Broken Tail Cause Permanent Damage?

A fracture of the tail that is high up or associated with being pulled can affect the nerves permanently, leading to ongoing complications, including incontinence and chronic pain.