Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my dog's tail suddenly limp and dropping, but not painful?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | unspayed | 2 years old | 23.6 lbs

My dog's tail goes out about an inch and a half and then drops off. She is a 23 pound miniature Goldendoodle. She is still wagging it, it doesn't seem tender to touch, and she is still playing and wagging as usual. It just seems as if she can't life her tail after about an inch down it. I didn't see any trauma happen to the tail. I noticed it after I got home from work yesterday. Any ideas on what could be wrong?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

I see what you mean about Ruby's tail, thank you for providing pictures of it! She could have injured it while you were at work, and I would take her into the vet to have it examined and x-rays. If she did injury, it's possible that the tail could be broken. She also could have done damage to the nerves leading to it. The vet can determine what is causing her to be unable to lift her tail, and can treat her for it.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, it looks as if Ruby may have injure her tail somehow. It is possibly dislocated or broken and she is just not showing signs of pain. A trip to the vet is a good idea to get an x ray to see what is wrong. If it's not bothering her you could leave it and see if it heals on its own. Some tail injuries will heals on their own, but there may always be a "kink" in the tail. If you move the en of the tail to the right and left and she reacts, then there is some pain and she should see a vet. If not, I would keep an eye on it and watch for healing. Good luck, i hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored