my beagle is biting above his tail until it is bald with pus and blood..he doesnt have any fleas?

Question

he seems to do this when ae are not home and or when we are in another room, where he cant get caught

Answer 1

go to a vet- he'll be able to prescribe something for the dog and maybe explain why he's doing this

Answer 2

Pus means infection. There could be many problems for this - including injury which is possible for the tail area. Could be allergies, infection or fleas if you don't treat regularly.

No one, not even a vet, can diagnose over the internet. Go to a vets!

Chalice

Answer 3

This behavior could be due to an allergy, or it could be a kind of 'nervous' or obsessive behavior that's often stress related.

If he doesn't have any fleas then flea allergy is not really an option, but there are many other types of allergy such as dog food allergies, contact or inhalant allergies. Excessive licking of the stomach, feet, and tail area are classic signs of an allergy-related skin problem. YOu can find lots of info. and advice on dog allergies here http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/dog-allergies.html

If it's more of a behavioral problem, it could be due to boredom or, as he seems to do this mostly when you're out or out-of-site, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.

Hydrocortisone creams or sprays will help to reduce the inflammation that is increasing his desire to bite at his skin, and you could consider using an elizabethan collar to prevent him from being able to reach and gnaw on himself. This kind of obsessive behavior tends to be cyclic and can be stopped if the habit is broken for a period of time.

you'll need to replace this chewing on himself with chewing on something better (and more fun). Get him some very sturdy chew toys - Kongs filled with peanut butter and frozen overnight or for a few hours, can provide a lot of play-value. Tough rope toys and large, PRESSED rawhide bones are also good. Everytime you see him chewing at himself, tell him 'No' and encourage him to chew on a toy instead. This behavior is now a habit for him and it takes time, patience and constant repetition to break a habit.

If you think he may be anxious when you're not around you can leave a TV or radio on for him, and plenty of fun, sturdy toys to keep him amused.

you can find out more about dog allergies and how to treat canine skin allergy problems at the url below. The same site also has info. on dealing with separation anxiety issues.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

This is classic of flea allergy dermatitis. Even though you may not see fleas that doesn't mean that one couldn't have bit him. Some dogs are extremely allergic to flea saliva and can develop a severe reaction from one bite. The lesion usually appears over the base of the tail and appears red, scabby, flaky, looses hair and is extremely itchy to the animal. Take your beagle to your vet so that he/she can determine what it is and he will probably need some antibiotics.

Answer 5

See a vet first then go with trying to train him to stop. First I would use positive reinforcement to train him to quit biting his tail, you know just tell him "no yuk" and when he leaves it alone it give him a treat and just stick with that for a while. If that don't work they have a sour spray you can spray on the dogs tail so he won't chew it but I really wouldn't recomend that be put on an open sore as that would probably burn like the devil. And if that don't work see a professional.

Answer 6

I've had dogs with the same problem. One was allergies, the worst case was the one with a ph problem that caused his skin to dry out. Another reacted badly to the lawn spray a neighbor's lawn service used. This was two houses away, and our yard was fenced. You just have to get your dog to a vet for an examination. There are too many possibilities to try to guess at.

Answer 7

It sounds like you trained your dog well. OK I had the same problem with my Rottweiler. After going to my local Pet co Pet Store, the associate educated me about the possible causes and the remedies. Cause one, dry skin. Cause two, bathing your dog too often. For cause one he suggested I use Tomlyn brand Biocaine antiseptic first aid lotion and
8 in 1 Corti-Care hydrocortisone Lotion applied directly to the affected area. For the second cause he suggested I use Groomer's Choice Oatmeal Shampoo and cut back to bathing my dog to every other week. It took about a week and a half but it cleared up and she hasn't gnawed her tail bone raw again.

I hope this helps with your dogs biting problem. It takes time so keep after it.

Good luck

Answer 8

My staffie used to do this, I had him vet checked and his health was fine the vet said it was a stress related action. I had him in an elizabethan collar for a while to allow him to heal and then when we left him I gave him a toy or a new chewie bone. Once he had healed he didn't start again.

Answer 9

get him to the vet fast , it might b an allergy ust go get him checked up

Answer 10

he probably has an infection. go to the vet and he/she will help.