do-dog-tails-have-bones

Mostly, dogs express their happiness by wagging their tail. Many people believe that dog tails have no bones. Is it really true or not? Or is it just people imagine?

Undoubtedly, when we see the dogs tail, it feels like their tail has no bones. What is the real structure of the dog’s tails? Our article is all about telling the actual facts of dog’s tails to dog owners and people who want knowledge about pets.

 

Do Dogs have bones in their tails?

Yes, the dog’s tail has bones, even it does not seem like.

Dogs tail look very flexible as compared to their legs and arms and that’s the reason why many people think that their tail have no bones and it is just made of muscles.

Now, you might be wondering what a dog’s tail is made of. Dogs tails go through spine and spine bones are called vertebrae. The tail bones are called coccygeal, caudal or tail vertebrae. Thus, the tail is like the dog’s backbone.

How many bones are present in tails? Then, it varied from breed to breed. However, generally, there are 5 or 6 to 23 coccygeal vertebrae.

Some people also believe that dogs do not feel anything when it comes to tail. However, it is definitely not a right, and dogs feel pain when their tail gets injured.

 

What are different types of Dogs tails?

There are different types/ shapes of tails such as straight up, straight and curled, cork-screw and sickle. Some of dog breeds tail is docked to avoid health injuries.

 

Straight (Low-hanging tails)

Low hanging tails are of those types that hand between dogs legs very rarely and naturally. These types of tails cannot go higher than spine-level. As they can’t go higher, it does not mean that they are scared of something, it is a natural position. Examples of breeds are:

  • Retrievers
  • Bull Terriers
  • Border Collies
  • Greyhounds

 

Straight (Raised Tails)

This type of tails is the opposite as we have discussed above. These dog tails have more mobility than other dogs. The dogs with this tail type can raise their tails above the level of the spine. The dogs raised their tails above heads when they want to alert or when they suspect something curious. Examples of dog breeds are:

  • Beagles
  • Terriers
  • Yorkies
  • Chihuahuas
  • Weimaraners

 

Coiled Tail

This tail type is located above the back of dogs, and it forms a ring or kind of loop. That’s why there is less mobility and expression possibility. Dogs are having this type of tail face more difficulty in expressing their feeling or emotions to others. Dogs having this tail type have long hair that makes communication harder for them. Examples of dog breeds are:

  • Shiba Inus
  • Pugs
  • Malamutes
  • Sitzes

 

Docked or Short Tails

There are a very few dogs breeds those who have no tail or docked tail. Dog breeds such as English bulldog and Corgi have no tail. Examples of dog breed having docked tail:

  • English Shepherd
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Boxer
  • Jack Russell Terrier

 

What is the purpose of Dogs Tail?

Everyone knows that how dog tails look like and you might be wondering is it dog tails serve any purpose? Yes, the dog’s tail serves some purpose.

 

1. Communication

Dogs express their emotions by waging their tail. Their tail tells if there are happy, aggravated, scared or stressed. Therefore, their tail can be very helpful for their owners how their dogs are feeling. When dogs are sad, they hold their tail, and it varies from breed to breed.

It is scientifically proven that dogs do not wag their tails when they are alone. They wag to give a response to human and other dogs.

Expert Dr. Bell said that dogs are better at reading other dogs body language than human. They use their tails or body to communicate with others dogs.

 

2. Spread Scent

Dogs also wag to spread scent, and it is one of their tail’s functions. In dogs, there are 2 anal glands under their tail. The anal glands contain a liquid that has a unique smell, which is specific for the individual animal. When dogs wag their tail, they release that particular scent.

 

3. Helps in Doing Physical Activities

Dog’s tail helps them in doing activities like jumping, climbing or many more by providing counterbalance function.

Hence, the dog’s tail does not only serve communication purpose that most people know that, but it also serves many other important or interesting purposes.

 

What are Symptoms of Dog Tail Fracture?

Now, you know that dog tail has a bone. Thus, it is also susceptible to fracture, and it is also called tail trauma when there is an injury in the pet’s tail. If you have a dog, then you might be interested to know its symptoms.

Here we have mentioned a few symptoms that can signify your dog has a tail injury.

  • Dogs carrying tail in ordinary position
  • They wagging tail to one particular side.
  • They biting or licking his tail repeatedly.
  • If you see any change in your dog tail behavior
  • Hair loss
  • Swelling

Hence, these are the most common signs for dogs bone tail fracture and if you feel these symptoms then visit veterinary immediately for its treatment. Otherwise, your dog will suffer from enormous pain, and it will also further increase more risk to your dog health.

 

Conclusion

I also have a dog of breed German shepherd. His tail is very long and curled. He usually wags his tail when he wants to play or want to go on a walk. When he is in a good mood, it shows in his wagging tail. Once his tail got injured, I went to the veterinary and doctor told there was a fracture in the bone. Then, I came to know the dogs tail have bone and luckily, the doctor gave great tenement to heal my dog tail injury.

Therefore, the dog’s tail has bones and tail is one of the most critical parts of their body. The tailbone fracture in the dog is severe and need to be treated as fast as possible.

 

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