Itchy tail issues in Rottweiler

by Ged Whopples
(Warwickshire)

Our Jess is a 1 year old bitch, she is always biting at her rear end, running round in circles chasing her tail, she is up to date with worming and I check her daily during grooming.

I noticed today that whatever the irritation is, it seems to be on the base of her tail rather than the obvious area, does anyone have any idea’s before we trundle off to the vet?

Hi Ged
If I’m understanding you right, it sounds as though the irritation is basically on her back, but right at the point where her tail joins her body?

This is a classic position for irritation/inflammation/hot spots and so on. The most common cause of these are allergies – either flea bites, seasonal-type allergies or a food allergy.

As it’s Springtime I’d guess seasonal allergies perhaps. Your vet should be able to give you a more informed answer as he’ll be able to examine her, and of course there can be other reasons for this type of irritation. I’ve experienced the allergy issue with a couple of my dogs though.

If she’s not chewed at the area until it’s become infected, then a hydrocortisone spray and some antihistamines (prescribed by your vet of course) usually fix it up. If the area is really inflamed though or infected, antibiotics may be needed.

You can also buy certain products for ‘hot spots’ that can be soothing.

Best of luck, hope Jess is doing much better soon.

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Sep 25, 2016

Express out the anal sacks/glands NEW
by: Tiyadh

I had the same problem with my 6momths old puppy, my vetasked if my puppy has ever got his anal glands cleansed. As my answer was a NO!. He suggested it and that worked fixing the problem.


May 31, 2012

Itchy tail NEW
by: Ged

Thanks for your idea’s guys, I will get on board it asap


May 30, 2012

Try Benadryl & Lidocaine NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

Sounds like contact dermatitis, allergies, or fleas.

You can try topical Benadryl cream applied 3x per day on the affected area followed by a few spritzes of 2% Lidocaine spray once the Benadryl dries. The Lidocaine will numb the area and should stop biting and nibbling. Lidocaine spray is available at your local pharmacy or big-box superstores and is sometimes called ???Burn Relief Spray???. Make sure the active ingredient is listed as 2% Lidocaine and don???t allow the dog to lick the area until the spray is dry.

Contact your vet for an allergy test.


May 30, 2012

Try Benadryl & Lidocaine NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

Sounds like contact dermatitis, allergies, or fleas.

You can try topical Benadryl cream applied 3x per day on the affected area followed by a few spritzes of 2% Lidocaine spray once the Benadryl dries. The Lidocaine will numb the area and should stop biting and nibbling. Lidocaine spray is available at your local pharmacy or big-box superstores and is sometimes called ???Burn Relief Spray???. Make sure the active ingredient is listed as 2% Lidocaine and don???t allow the dog to lick the area until the spray is dry.

Contact your vet for an allergy test.


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About The Rotty lover 2159 Articles
My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone