Water tail in dogs

Water tail is a painful inflammation of the musculature around the root of the tail after the dog overexerts the tail, can be compared to exercise pain. The dog may have been swimming, working or playing a little too much in the last 24 hours before symptoms appear. Risk factors can be cold weather or water.

A Labrador Retriever playing in the water

Water tail is painful for dogs. Retrievers, spaniels and other water-loving breeds are the ones most often affected by water tail. The condition is probably caused by an inflammation of the muscles at the root of the tail that occurs when the dog has used its tail too much.

Symptoms of water tail in dogs

The tail hangs as if paralysed straight down from the end of the back
The tail can stand straight out a bit from the tail root and then hang straight down
Your dog doesn't want to wag its tail
Your dog may have difficulty sitting down or urinating if it is female
Your dog shows signs of pain if you touch it on the tail or on the rear part of the back

Water tail often disappears on its own

Water tail usually clears up on its own in a few days if your dog and their tail are rested, and kept warm and dry. But if the dog is very bothered, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication may need to be given. If the water tail does not go away in a few days, you should contact a veterinarian. Symptoms of water tail can also mean other types of diseases and injuries to the back.