Any one have any ideas on how to help a dog that has “Happy Tail”?

[Guest]

Our 2 yr old German Shepherd is such a happy boy, that his whip of a tail started bleeding after hitting it the wall this past weekend. We left the vet today and they said it has scabbed over good.

We told the vet It hasn’t re-bled in two days and wanted to bring him in to check it out, since this is the first time this has happened. But the vet says we need to monitor it.

If it is becomes a continuous issue we may have consider a tail amputation in the future. Which I really want to avoid.

Any suggestions on how to keep his tail calm? Never had this problem before?

Added a picture out of boy Chief.

[Belinda]

My staffy did that to her tail too, she lost hair on the tip and it hasn't grown back.

[Alind]

My boxer had this issues for a while, as long as you keep it clean and keep it from getting infected it'll be okay. Give it time and as he Ages he may mellow out a bit and won't be as rough with his tail. I kept my girls tail clean and she busted it open a few more times bit over time this happened less and less and it doesn't anymore. Shes just as wiggly but seems to be a little more aware of her surroundings :lol:

[Jennifer]

In my show conformation classes years ago I trained with the #1 Dalmatian. On commv and he fixed his feet, he perked his ears and slowly wagged his tail... it takes repetition and reward and being calm during greetings to teach less exuberant wags.

[Michelle]

I think perhaps some training in calming down would help. I know it sounds like trying to subdue his happiness, but Something like a simple sit and wait or stay command could help.

[Amy]

Once this starts, it almost always becomes a chronic problem. If it's ok for now, that's good! There are some bandaging devices that can basically strap the tail down for healing, but they don't always work. I'd say at least 60% of cases, if not more, end up in amputation because they expose the bone at the tip of the tail and it can't heal.

[Anita]

I've heard it suggested to use a pool noodle to protect the tail. Obviously, it would be nice if you could convince him not to wag his tail so much, but in the meantime the pool noodle might help to protect it.