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My dog has a painful tail and can't move it. What can I give her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 2 months old | 60 lbs

Came home last night, my dog was bitting her tail a few times . so we looked at it and she was in pain , she not moved her tail just anough to to pee. Up all night trying to get comfortable. Morning got sleep but still not moveing her tail. What can i give her for pain . i don think its broke. Don't have money for vet.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2018

Poor Sunni! She sounds painful! She really needs to see a vet to get the appropriate nsaid pain medication for her size. She may have a sprained tail if it is sore and swollen just at the base of the tail, maybe 2-5 inches from the anus. This is common in large-breed dogs who have a big day of running or swimming (common in hunting labs) and then can't wag or lift their tail the next day. It is usually self-limiting, but extremely painful. Sunni needs some Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, or other dog-specific anti-inflammatory pain medication as this will make her feel much better much more quickly than time alone. Other pain medications like aspirin can have bad side-effects like stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, and would not recommend these. Maybe your vet has some donated medication or other options if you can scrape together the exam fee and explain your situation. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for posting on PetCoach! Sorry to hear Sunni has been having some discomfort around her tail region. It is hard to say for certain what is causing the pain around her tail without examining her first, but it certainly could be fractured or perhaps sprained. Also, sensitivity around the lower back area including part of the tail could indicate a back issue such as a slipped disc or other spinal or neurological disorder. Unfortunately there is really no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs. You may try applying a heating pad between a towel to the affected area 3-4 times a day but ideally she should see a veterinarian for an exam and an x-ray to help determine the cause. I have included an article below and ways to afford veterinary care. I hope this helps! http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

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