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Puppy fell off bed, now tucks tail. Is he scared or injured?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Cocker Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 7 days old | 9 lbs

My puppy fell off the bed and cried. I checked everything out and he seemed to be okay. But then he held his tail between his legs.. He lets me straighten it out and I touched all over it and he barely whimpered a few times. He even wagged it some but then tucks it again... help!!!!!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 1st, 2017

I will copy and paste my previous response with a little tid bit at the end since this seems to be a repeat question that was duplicated on the message board and my previous answer was deemed helpful. He is likely scared now. He will soon come to terms with what happened and likely go back to his normal self after a few days to a week. If he is not whimpering in pain, having any neurological signs (drunken walk, twitching of the pupils, excessive panting, or inability to move his head to one side) or refusing food and water consecutively, then I wouldn't be too concerned. He is likely just still scared that it will happen again. However if he is still holding his tail awkwardly after a day or two, then its best to have him seen by your veterinarian to ensure there are no serious underlying injuries there. However this is unlikely because he is able to wag it intermittently with no problems. Best of luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Priyanka Thakkar, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2017

    Scout likely is painful which is why he is holding his tail between this legs. He may not have broken anything if his tail is still wagging and he is walking around normally. It may just be a soft tissue injury. A veterinarian should examine him and maybe take X-rays to rule out internal injuries. They could also provide pain medications safe for a 2 month old puppy.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2017

    Poor Scout. If it just happened give him a little bit of time. He's scared and may have bruised himself. Dogs will also tuck their tails if scared or uncertain, so that may be all it is. I would recommend keeping him in a crate or small area tonight where he can't jump or run around too much. Check in the morning and if he seems painful then I would have him checked by your vet.

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