Why Dogs Get Dead Tail and How to Treat It

Has your dog's normally active tail suddenly become still and limp? The most likely ailment (barring any other underlying health issues) is a condition called 'dead tail'. Dead tail, also known as limber tail and cold tail, is a muscle condition that can afflict any dog, but usually strikes active, outdoor dogs breeds (like hunting dogs) early in the outdoor recreation season.

Causes of Dead Tail

Dead tail is the canine version of their owner's 'weekend warrior syndrome'. Muscles are over exerted and pushed beyond their capabilities without the benefit of a slow build up to peak strength and stamina. Simply put, the dog's tail wags too much and the muscles become exhausted.

Add swimming in cold water to the mix of tail-wagging excitement, and your dog is almost certain to develop dead tail. A dog uses his tail to steer and balance while in the water, and a cold water temperature (which cause the muscles to work harder to generate heat) increases the likelihood the dog will have dead tail by day's end.

How To Treat Dead Tail

Dead tail is painful to the dog. It's an over-worked, abused muscle group that is inflamed and needs an anti-inflammatory pain reliever as treatment. Veterinarians quite often treat dead tail with a prescription for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and recommend a few days rest for the dog. Dead tail is not a permanent injury and it will heal on it's own in a few days. The dog will be unable to lift his tail until the muscles have recovered.

How To Prevent Dead Tail

Prevent your dog from developing painful dead tail by starting the recreation season with short outings. Short outings allow the dog to use his tail muscles at full volume, but only for short periods of time so exhaustion does not set in but the muscles are being strengthened. If cold water swimming is going to part of the usual outdoor routine for your dog, make the outings extra short and to build up the dog's stamina very slowly.

Always end play time or hunting time for the dog before the dog is exhausted, and if prolonged crate time or wait time is involved after full activity, be sure to allow the dog plenty of stretch breaks to prevent dead tail.