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My dog chewed her tail and it won't heal. What if I can't afford a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 3 months old

Dog chewed up tail. Cant get it to heal. i have no money for a vet.Ijust graduated nursingschool so i have some woundcare supplies ive been using

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 15th, 2016

Unfortunately, tail mutilation can be a complicated problem to resolve - it often requires a combination of oral antibiotics, steroids, and pain medication such as gabapentin to allow the wound to heal while also keeping it wrapped to prevent further trauma from occurring. Often, part of the problem is that there may be an underlying reason why the tail chewing occurred in the first place - a skin condition, neurologic disorder such as lumbosacral stenosis, or an initial injury may have caused Zoey to begin mutilating her tail, and it's often a vicious cycle from there. In some dogs, this can also be a compulsive behavior associated with stress or anxiety. Without seeing a vet, all you will be able to do at home is keep the tail clean and loosely wrapped to prevent further damage, but Zoey will probably need prescription medications for it to heal. You may be able to find a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area who could help.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The most important thing is to put an e-collar around her neck, this will prevent her from getting to the tail. If the injury re-occur because she is banging her tail on door and walls, it will probably never heal, she will require a partial tail amputation.

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