Toy Poodle Tucking Tail

Question
My toy poodle(Star) is 15 years old and five months. She started tucking her tail between her hind legs about 6 months ago. I had read that the tip of her tail could be hurt or her spine. She can't hear anymore. She has fallen off the bed three times. She doesn't seem to be in pain, but I don't know for sure. She has also started running into things sideways. Do you have any information about her tucking her tail? It is not because she is scared I don't think. She does not have anything to be scared of. Could it have anything to do with her losing her hearing? She weighs a little over 5 pounds. She does have bad breath. She is fixing to go to her vet for a check-up. Blood work for sure and her shots. Also, to see about cleaning her teeth and checking that out. He is also going to look at her eyes. I don't know how they check her hearing, but I have no doubt that she is deaf now. I appreciate anything you can tell me about the tail tucking and anything else about the above subjects. Hope you are having a nice day! I will wait for a response. I will tell the vet any advise you might have on this. Thanks again!! Deborah

Answer
Hello Deborah,
There are a number of reasons that she could be holding her tail between her legs.  It could be from an injury, but it may be something more simple, like her anal glands being full.  When you take her to the Vet, have him check her anal glands.  A dogs anal glands are located on either side of the base of the tail.  When they get full and aren't emptied normally when the dog has a BM, they need to be expressed.  Dogs will sometimes become touchy around their rear area until these glands are free.  

You might also have your Vet take a stool sample to rule out worms, which can cause irritation around the base of the tail.  
Some dogs act that way when they come home from the groomers, if the groomer shaved around their rear end.  The feeling of short hair there, can cause them to tuck the tail for awhile after being home.

I hope this has helped you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim