My dog bites his tail and pulls out hair. Is it behavioral or medical?

Question

My dog keeps chasing his tail and biting it. In doing so he is pulling all the hair out of his tail. How do I stop this? I'm not sure if it's a behavioral problem or if there is something else going on. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year old

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

This could be behavioral, but he could also have a neurological problem or infection of the viol's gland on the tail. He will need a veterinary exam to rule out medical problem first. If there aren't any you can then address the behavioral issue. You should, in any case, keep him from reaching and biting his tail and thus avoid self-mutilation.

My dog bites his tail and pulls out hair. Is it behavioral or medical?

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