Dog Biting Base of Tail but No Fleas or Ticks – Top 3 Reasons Why

Fleas, ticks, and other external parasites are usually a common reason for dogs that suddenly bite the base of their tail. What if there are no signs of fleas or ticks? Here are some other common reasons that may explain the sudden biting behavior.

1. Localized itching caused by allergies

Your dog might be suddenly biting the base of his tail because of the unforgiving itch caused by an allergic reaction. There are many types of environmental allergens that may cause itching in the base of the tail. This could be allergens like pollens, debris, certain species of grass, and mold. It might even be a reaction to chemicals a dog’s skin could be sensitive to, such as household cleaners and detergent.

2. Fungal or bacterial infections

The dog could be biting the base of his tail due to some kind of skin infection. For example, some dogs may find the base of their tail itchy due to conditions like yeast dermatitis, which is a common cause of skin disease in dogs. In addition to the constant biting, you may see a lot of redness around the base of the dog’s tail.

3. Conditions like stud tail

Some dogs may suddenly bite the base of their tail due to the irritations caused by a condition like stud tail. This refers to a condition when the glands in the dog’s tail starts to produce too much sebum (the oily substance that lubricates the dog’s skin).

In addition to the above reasons, it’s worth noting that some dogs are a lot more sensitive to flea bites. These dogs may still go through a long itching and scratching cycle long after a flea has left to find another host to feed on.