"Whiskers, paws, and a tail—these are my identification," claimed the beloved cat Matroskin from Prostokvashino. And he wasn't wrong. The tail truly is the most important part of any animal's body—especially a dog's, as it's responsible for the functioning of the entire body, communication with other dogs, and with its owner.
Dog mood indicator
A pet can express its emotions using its tail:
- If a dog holds its tail high and actively wags it, it is active and friendly and is waiting for someone to play with it.
- If the tail wags parallel to the back, the animal is thoughtful and expects some action from the owner.
- If the tail is down, but the dog still wags it, the dog is ready to listen to any of your commands.
- If the tail hangs motionless in the air, the dog is very tense and frightened by meeting something or someone new.
- If only the tip of the tail moves up, this is a sign that the dog is ready to attack and it is better not to approach it.
- When the tail is parallel and does not move, it shows hidden aggression.
- If a dog tucks its tail to its belly, it is afraid of something or is very worried.
- If a part of the body is in a relaxed state, it is calm and satisfied.
- She squeezed him between her legs - she was scared.
In addition, the angle of the tail also carries certain information about the dog’s emotions:
- if it is tilted to the right, the dog shows joy and friendliness;
- if to the left - aggressiveness.
Animal balancing tool
The tail is one of the most important parts of a dog's body. It is an extension of the spine, so any injury to the tail will negatively impact the health of the entire body. When actively moving, such as running and walking, a dog uses its tail to help it navigate more precisely. Therefore, the tail is a dog's primary balance tool.
Furthermore, when swimming, it helps the dog cover greater distances, relieving stress on its paws. If the tail is perpendicular to the body in the water, the pet will feel more stable and lighter in the water.
The tail produces a secretory fluid
Dogs have anal glands located under their tails, which contain a secretion. This secretion produces a distinctive odor that is unique to each individual dog. This secretion allows dogs to communicate and distinguish one another.
When an animal needs a partner, its scent tells others that:
- he is ready to mate;
- He is ready to start his own family and fight for a partner.
During these periods, active tail movements allow the scent to spread faster than usual. If the dog isn't prepared for this, it simply tucks its tail in and prevents the scent from spreading throughout the area.
Currently, there's a procedure called tail docking, which involves removing the tail. It's typically performed on puppies in the first 5-7 days of life for use in rescue services, the armed forces, government law enforcement agencies, and the like. However, this procedure is dangerous for the dog and can have negative consequences if performed carelessly and if the pet is entrusted to an unprofessional veterinarian.
Be attentive to your pet, carefully monitor the condition of its tail, because it is of great value in its life: it is responsible for communication with other animals, with its owners, and also performs important functions in life.
