chasing tail - biting

[daringxdiva]

My dog, since day one really, has been trying to chase his tail. He doesn't get too far-- he's a puppy and can't quite reach around and lick. But i'm wondering why he does this-- is he trying to itch? to lick? to bite? He tries to bite the tip of his tail.

Now when I took him to the vet for a checkup and for other things, they did find a worm. He was treated. We find out feb 11th if the medication (10 -day) worked.

But could this be something else? I haven't cleaned or wiped his anus or anything... i guess maybe i could try doing that and see if that could be it?

Please let me know!
He's 13 weeks, about 24 pounds.


Thanks in advance!
Alyse

 

[johann]

Johann did that a lot until he was around 4 or 5 months old. We asked the vet about it, and they could never find a physical reason for it. Johann never had worms though, so that may make a difference

What we did was redirect him as soon as he started to chase his tail. Either with a toy, treat, or attention.

 

[StellaBee]

I remember Stella would do that every once in a while when she was a puppy - I always wondered if it was like phantom pain or something from her docked tail. Anyway, she stopped doing it. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Like "Johann" said, sounds like a good idea to divert his attention so he doesn't create a hot spot.

 

[bucca]

spanky will be two and when he is bored and no one is paying attention to him he decides to try and get his tail, he really gets into it growling and all is so funny.

 

[LILYLARUE]

Lily's tail docking was pretty botched and when she was a little pup she would chew and lick at it. I think it could have itched from healing or something. But I agree with the one poster about phantom pains..........cause every now and again she will bark and chase her tail.

 

[daringxdiva]

Okay great, thanks a lot!