Sometimes a bulldog is born with a curled tail so close to the body that it's practically ingrown. These tails are almost enclosed with surrounding skin creating a problematic pocket that is prone to yeast and/or moist bacterial infections. This can be a source of chronic irritation and itching for your bulldog. Some bulldogs will develop a "hot spot" on the part of the tail that is pressing against the body at this site. It's surprising how many new bulldogs I see at our practice with this problem and their owners are unaware of it. Bulldogs can't reach their tail so they generally don't try to lick the area.