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Why is my dog licking his tail excessively? What could be wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 19 lbs

Why does my dog lick around his tail

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. This is typically a sign there is a problem around that area. Dogs when they have an area that bothers them they lick it a lot. Licking around this area could be due to impacted and/or infected anal sacs, fleas, or intestinal worms. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. The way to know for certain is to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this licking and can treat it, such as expressing his glands, prescribing flea medication, or giving him a deworming treatment. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19th, 2018

    Hi, normally problems around the tail area are caused by flea allergies. I would check for fleas but if in doubt it is alway best to treat for them, as they are such a common cause for dermatitis in this area. You would need a good/effective product and to treat all the pets that are coming into your house, plus the environment too. Excluding fleas, another condition causing overgrooming of the tail area but in particular around the anus, would be impacted or infected anal glands. If you suspect this could be the issue, I would recommend to have Ryder checked over by your vet so that if the issues is confirmed, treatment can be prescribed. Hope this helps ! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 20th, 2019

    Hello. Dogs will normally clean themselves up quite nicely, but if the licking becomes excessive, there is most certainly an underlying reason. In Bella's case, there could be some inflammation/infection in the area or even the possibility of impacted anal glands. This can be quite uncomfortable to dogs, & with time, actually become significant infections. It is quite simple for your veterinarian to examine the area, including the anal glands, & clean things up if necessary. Please see your vet at your earliest convenience to see if this is the problem Bella is experiencing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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