What Is Swimmer’s Tail?

The term swimmer’s tail or water tail refers to an inflammatory condition that affects the muscles in a dog’s tail. This condition is particularly common in dogs that swim or bathe frequently. Moving in water requires significant muscular effort, and swimmer’s tail typically develops as a result of overexertion.

What Are the Symptoms of Swimmer’s Tail?

Swimmer’s tail has a number of common symptoms, making it relatively easy to recognize. If your dog is suffering from swimmer’s tail, its tail will often hang limp and motionless. If you try to touch or pet the tail, the dog will usually react with clear discomfort. Additionally, the dog may seem generally down and may lose its appetite.

How Does the Veterinarian Diagnose It?

If you suspect your dog has swimmer’s tail, you should contact a veterinarian. Before the examination, the vet will ask you a few questions to determine whether it is indeed swimmer’s tail. In particular, they’ll ask about your dog’s activities in the days leading up to the symptoms.

During the consultation, the vet will typically measure your dog’s temperature and perform a thorough examination of the base of the tail. In some cases, a blood test may be needed to rule out other inflammatory conditions or neurological disorders.

How Is Swimmer’s Tail Treated?

If your dog has swimmer’s tail, it needs to rest until the inflammation subsides. During this time, your vet will prescribe daily pain relief. If the inflammation is especially severe, the vet may—on rare occasions—prescribe corticosteroids. Most dogs make a full recovery within two to five days of treatment.

Why Do Dogs Get Swimmer’s Tail?

Dogs get swimmer’s tail because they overuse the muscles at the base of the tail while swimming. The steering motion controlled by the tail muscles is typically unfamiliar to most dogs. So if your dog swims frequently, there’s a good chance the tail muscles can become strained.

All breeds can theoretically develop swimmer’s tail, but the condition is most often seen in golden retrievers, labradors, and other dogs that love spending time in the water.

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