Beware of Foxtails
The skies are blue, the flowers are blossoming, and the foxtails are OUT. Foxtails pose a major threat to our pets, as the grass awns embed into the nose, ears, tonsils, eyes, and paws of our animals. Every year between May and October, California veterinary hospitals are very busy removing foxtail fragments from our affected pets. Most animals need to be sedated for the removal, and not all attempts are successful. This can mean multiple trips to the vet – and therefore an expense - that could otherwise be avoided.
What Are Foxtails? #
Foxtails are the seed part of various grasses that have a unique structure, enabling them to burrow into the soil with ease. This characteristic, while beneficial for the plant’s propagation, can be harmful to animals. The seeds are designed to move forward and not backward, which means once they attach to your pet, they can embed themselves deeper into the flesh, causing pain, infections, and sometimes severe complications.
Pets, particularly dogs who love romping through the grass, are at risk of foxtail injuries.
Some common signs that your pet may have picked up a foxtail include:
• Persistent licking or chewing at a particular spot
• Shaking their head or tilting it to one side
• Pawing at their eyes or ears
• Sudden sneezing fits or nasal discharge
During foxtail season, I suggest you adhere to the following guidelines to avoid being a victim: #
- Avoid High-Risk Areas
Steer clear of areas with tall, dry grasses, especially during the late spring through fall. Choose your walking paths wisely, opting for well-maintained trails and parks. It is highly advised not to let your dog off leash. We all know that dogs love running through open fields, but with the amount of foxtails around, it is just not worth it. If you have a neighbor with an unkept lawn riddled with foxtails, a simple solution would be to switch up your route. Only take your dog in areas that are safe from foxtails. Walks are never fun when you’re having to yank on the leash every time your pet sniffs the plants. - Regular Grooming
Keep your pet’s fur trimmed, especially around the paws, ears, and underbelly. This reduces the chances of foxtails clinging to them and makes it easier to spot and remove any that do. Some coats are almost like Velcro, and the foxtails really stick to them. - Perform Daily Checks
After any outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet for foxtails. Pay special attention to their paws, between the toes, and around the face and ears. Perform a thorough check every day after each outing. - Train Your Pet
Teach your pet to allow you to open their mouth and look inside, as foxtails can become lodged in the gums or under the tongue. Get them comfortable with you handling their paws and ears, as well.
What to Do If You Find a Foxtail #
If you find a foxtail on your pet, remove it carefully with tweezers if it has not yet embedded itself. However, if the seed is not easily removable or you suspect it has burrowed into your pet’s skin, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Do not attempt to remove foxtails from sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, or nose on your own, as this may push them deeper.
If your general practice veterinarian is not able to accommodate you on a same-day basis and recommends that you visit the emergency or urgent care, please follow their instructions. Do not wait. Be diligent and be quick. Foxtails are expensive. And keep in mind that not all foxtails can be easily removed. Foxtail removal can take multiple vet visits, and some even escalate to the level of a specialist who must use advanced imaging and equipment to remove these terrible plant pieces.
