Why Do Dogs Bite Their Tails?

Many pet parents find themselves wondering why dogs bite their tails. Dogs bite their tails for several reasons, including boredom, stress, allergies, parasites, or medical conditions. While occasional tail chewing may be harmless, persistent biting can cause skin irritation, hair loss, or infection. Identifying the cause is the first step to helping your dog stop the behavior safely. Below, the veterinary experts at Lakeland Animal Clinic in Lakeland, FL explains why dogs bite their tails and how to address it.

What Causes Dogs to Bite Their Tails?

Tail biting is common, but the cause can vary. Dogs may bite their tails because of:

• Allergies

• Skin irritation

• Fleas, ticks, or parasites

• Boredom

• Stress or anxiety

• Pain or injury

• Compulsive behaviors

Identifying the cause helps you choose the right treatment.

How to Stop Dogs From Biting Their Tails

The best way to stop tail biting depends on the underlying trigger. Effective strategies include:

• Scheduling a veterinary exam to rule out infections or skin conditions

• Using flea and tick preventatives consistently

• Providing daily physical and mental enrichment

• Trying puzzle toys or interactive feeders

• Treating irritated skin under veterinary guidance

• Using positive reinforcement training to redirect the behavior

• Reducing household stress or anxiety triggers

If the cause is medical, your vet will recommend treatment. If it’s behavioral, enrichment and training can help break the habit.

Could Stress or Anxiety Be Causing Tail Biting?

Yes. Stress is one of the most common behavioral causes of tail chewing. Dogs may bite their tails when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. Common triggers include:

• A recent move

• New pets or family members

• Long periods alone

• Loud noises or household disruptions

• Schedule or routine changes

Addressing stress with training, structure, and enrichment often improves the behavior.

Can Food or Skin Allergies Cause Tail Biting?

Yes—skin allergies frequently lead to itching and irritation that cause dogs to chew their tails. Tail biting may result from:

• Food allergies

• Environmental allergies

• Skin inflammation

• Dry or irritated skin

• Hot spots

Switching to higher-quality food or identifying allergens may help, but ask your vet before making dietary changes.

Could Parasites or Worms Cause Tail Biting in Dogs?

Absolutely. Parasites, especially fleas, are one of the top medical causes of tail biting. Even if you don’t see fleas, a single flea bite can cause intense itching. Other parasites, like ticks and intestinal worms, can also cause discomfort. Prevention is key:

• Use monthly flea/tick preventatives

• Keep up with regular deworming

• Treat infestations promptly

• Follow your veterinarian’s parasite prevention recommendations

Your vet can help determine if parasites are the root cause.

Dog Biting the Base of the Tail but No Fleas

If your dog keeps biting the base of their tail and you’re confident fleas aren’t the issue, several other problems may be responsible:

• Food or environmental allergies

• Anal gland irritation or impaction

• Skin infections or dermatitis

• Hot spots developing at the tail base

• Pain near the hind end

• Compulsive chewing behaviors

Because this is a sensitive area, a veterinary exam is the best way to determine the cause and relieve discomfort quickly.

When Should You Contact a Veterinarian?

You should call a vet if your dog’s tail biting is:

• Persistent or frequent

• Causing bleeding or hair loss

• Paired with redness, swelling, or discharge

• Accompanied by significant itching

• Linked to sudden behavioral changes

• Not improving despite home care

The team at Lakeland Animal Clinic can identify the underlying cause and recommend the right treatment plan.

Contact Lakeland Animal Clinic

If your dog is biting their tail and you’re not sure why, we can help. Call Lakeland Animal Clinic in Lakeland, FL at (863) 688-3338 or schedule an appointment online.