Dog Excessive Licking Base of Tail (Here’s Why)

Dog Excessively Licking Base of Tail: Common Causes

Fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Fleas are one of the most frequent reasons dogs lick or chew at the base of their tail. Even if you don’t see fleas, a single bite can cause intense itching — especially in dogs that are allergic to flea saliva.

This condition is called flea allergy dermatitis, and it makes the skin hypersensitive and inflamed.

The irritation is often worst at the tail base and lower back, which is why many dogs repeatedly lick or chew this specific area.

Because dogs swallow fleas while grooming, you may not always spot them on the coat. Instead, you might notice redness, scabbing, hair loss, or thickened skin at the tail base.

Flea-allergic dogs are often miserable and may lick almost nonstop. Without treatment, the skin becomes damaged and bacteria or yeast can multiply — creating a painful secondary infection that worsens the cycle of itching and licking.

Related: Dog excessively licking privates (Here’s why)

Impacted or Irritated Anal Glands

Dogs have two small anal glands located just inside the rectum. These glands normally empty small amounts of fluid during bowel movements.

But if they become blocked, inflamed, or infected, they can cause intense discomfort around the anus and the base of the tail. Instead of scratching, many dogs respond by licking this region repeatedly.

You might see scooting, difficulty sitting comfortably, swelling, or a fishy odor. Some dogs will constantly turn to lick under the tail, while others show only subtle behaviors like restlessness.

Anal gland issues can become painful quickly, and in severe cases, the gland may abscess or rupture — which is why early attention is important even if your dog “acts normal” otherwise.

Allergies 

Allergies are a major reason dogs lick or chew at the base of their tail. Environmental allergies such as pollen, dust mites, or grass can trigger widespread skin inflammation that is often worst around the lower back, belly, paws, and ears.

Dogs with food allergies may also develop chronic itchiness focused near the anus and tail base.

When the skin becomes inflamed, the itch can be deep and relentless. Licking provides temporary relief, so dogs continue doing it — which unfortunately leads to more inflammation and sometimes broken skin.

Over time, this cycle can create dark, thickened patches of skin and patchy hair loss around the tail base.

Allergies rarely resolve on their own and usually require long-term management guided by your veterinarian.

Skin Infections 

When skin becomes irritated or moist from licking, infections can easily develop. Yeast infections often make the skin greasy, flaky, or musty-smelling.

Bacterial infections, meanwhile, may cause redness, scabbing, oozing spots, or raised bumps.

Both types of infections can be extremely itchy and painful — which leads to even more licking and chewing at the tail base.

Infections may start as a small irritated area but spread quickly as licking continues. Some dogs will worry at the spot until the fur disappears and the skin becomes raw.

Because infection thrives in warm, moist environments, the base of the tail is an easy place for it to grow unless treated promptly.

Pain or Discomfort in the Lower Back or Tail

Sometimes a dog excessively licking the base of their tail isn’t itchy at all — they may actually be experiencing pain beneath the skin. Conditions such as arthritis, spinal issues, muscle strain, or injury around the tail or lower back can all trigger licking in this specific area.

Dogs don’t always show classic signs of pain like crying or limping. Instead, they may focus on licking the painful area as a self-soothing behavior.

You might also notice stiffness when getting up, reluctance to jump, or sensitivity when the tail base or back is touched.

Because internal pain isn’t always obvious, persistent tail-base licking with no visible skin changes should still be evaluated by a vet.

Parasites Such as Mites or Worms

External parasites like mange mites can cause inflamed, itchy patches that lead to obsessive licking — including around the tail base. These parasites often cause hair loss, irritation, crusting, and discomfort that worsens over time.

Internal parasites such as tapeworms may also cause irritation near the anus. When segments of the worm exit the body, they can create itching that causes both licking and scooting.

Tapeworms are commonly transmitted through fleas, which means a dog can actually be dealing with both problems at the same time.

Related: Dog licking excessively (Common causes)

What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking Base of Their Tail

If your dog is excessively licking the base of their tail, the first step is simply to observe calmly. Try to take note of how often they lick, whether the behavior is constant or comes and goes, and whether you also notice scooting, chewing, odor, swelling, or sores.

Gently check the area under good lighting. Look for redness, flea dirt, hair loss, scabs, swelling, or discharge. If your dog seems painful or sensitive when you touch the tail base, avoid further handling and let your veterinarian examine them instead.

Keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent further irritation. However, avoid using human creams, antiseptics, or essential oils on your dog’s skin, as many can be toxic when licked.

A soft cone or inflatable collar may sometimes be used temporarily to prevent further trauma, but it’s important to remember that licking is a symptom — so the underlying cause still needs to be identified.

If your dog is not already on year-round flea prevention, speak to your vet about starting or updating protection. Even a “one-time” flea exposure can trigger weeks of itching in allergic dogs.

Stress-reducing activities, gentle exercise, enrichment toys, and predictable routines may help if anxiety is contributing to the behavior, but medical causes should always be ruled out first.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

You should contact your veterinarian promptly if:

• Your dog licks the tail base constantly or obsessively.
• You see redness, swelling, wounds, or bleeding.
• There is a bad or fishy odor from the area.
• Your dog is scooting or straining to poop.
• There is hair loss or darkened skin.
• You notice signs of pain or discomfort.
• Your dog seems restless, lethargic, or unwell.
• The licking lasts longer than 2–3 days.

Your vet may examine the anal glands, check for fleas or mites, perform skin scrapings or allergy testing, or assess for pain in the back and hips.

Treatment may include parasite control, medication for itching, antibiotics or antifungals, allergy management, pain relief, or anal gland expression — depending on the diagnosis.

Early care not only protects your dog from discomfort but also prevents severe infections or chronic skin changes from developing.

Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Back (Here’s what it means)

Key Takeaway

A dog excessively licking the base of their tail is usually trying to tell you that something doesn’t feel right.

Whether the cause is fleas, allergies, infection, anal gland issues, pain, or parasites, the behavior rarely happens without a reason.

While mild irritation may improve with basic care and good flea prevention, persistent licking almost always deserves veterinary attention.

By acting early, keeping the area clean, and working with your vet to identify the true cause, you can help your dog feel comfortable again — and stop the cycle of itching, licking, and skin irritation.

And as always, trust your instincts. If the behavior seems unusual for your dog, it’s always better to check than to wait.