Sitting on own tail causing damage?

[Dilski]

Hi Greytalkers!

Our boy (Nugget) loves to sit on the floor whenever he has the opportunity. His back legs often rest on top of his tail, which seems to be causing rubbing.

We're fairly used to him "sitting himself bald", but I've noticed on his tail he's made a mark that looks fairly sore.

Here is a photo (warning: baldy grey butt🤣) https://imgur.com/a/H48QSHy

Should I be worried? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks, Dillon

[macoduck]

It's hard to tell from your photo, but is the spot several inches down from the base of his tail? Is it missing hair?  If so, that's most likely on "stud tail" and is no big deal. No treatment needed.

Unless there's a foul odor and a visible infection, you don't need to do anything. Many of my 14 greyhounds have had this and only had some missing hair in that location.

https://spoiledhounds.com/stud-tail-bald-spot-on-dog-tail/

[KF_in_Georgia]

And, despite the name, stud tail isn't gender-related. My girl has it, my boy does not.

[greysmom]

Stud tail.  There's a gland located there on all dogs tails.  Sometimes it loses hair and sometimes it doesn't.  My girl had a patch about 6 inches long that always looked dirty and sparse.  Gentle weekly bathing *may* help, but most likely not.  

[Dilski]

Thank you all for pointing us to stud tail, sounds like it could be it. I don't think it looks bad just now but will keep an eye on it and keep it clean?

[HeyRunDog]

Guinness has stud tail but interestingly the vet said as he's been castrated a couple of months ago it should improve. Wiping with a soft cloth has helped too.

Grace also has hair missing from a similar area of her tail but according to the vet that could be where she folds it under herself when laying down and the stiff hairs are getting broken. Spraying with a de-tangle spray used by dog groomers helps by softening the hairs although Grace gives me some funny looks when I creep up behind her and spray her