Dog tail cut and won't stop bleeding. Is amputation the only fix?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 10 lbs
I am a groomer and I just accidentally cut the tip off a dog's tail. I was the size of a very small pea. I had to apply .pressure because It wouldn't stop bleeding. The owner took him to the vets and they said they had to cut 1 1/2 inches off the tail to fix it. I'm in shock. Is this right? Gail
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 5th, 2021
Hi and thanks for your request. Unfortunately this may be right as these type of injuries are very difficult to heal completely (as they are almost impossible to bandage and dogs wag their tail constantly). The vast majority of these injuries, even if look minuscule, end up having a surgical resolution (variable tail amputation).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 21st, 2017
Poor puppy! Tail wounds can be very difficult to heal, especially once they have had stitches pulled out as there is very limited skin available and in many cases will need to be left alone to heal for 4-6weeks before the wound can be reassessed and possibly reconstructed again. The area is prone to infection so will need to be monitored closely and kept clean with antibiotics as required. I would be concerned as to why the tail needed to be amaputated and why the puppy keeps attacking the area - chiropractic care, acupuncture and further pain relief may need to be considered in order to resolve the discomfort he is feeling
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 2nd, 2016
Poor Brudis! If it's the first time this has happened, there is a good chance that it will be able to heal with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, along with keeping it bandaged and protected for the next 2-3 weeks or so. If it doesn't seem to be healing in that amount of time, or if this problem recurs later on, this is normally when amputation would be considered - most of the dogs I have seen who required tail amputations were "repeat offenders" who were constantly whacking their tails against things :) So I don't normally jump straight to this as a solution, since many wounds like this will heal just fine with time and care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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