Pet Week: Why Foxtails are Dangerous for Dogs

Foxtail. As a pet parent, it’s a word that strikes fear into my heart.

This dangerous plant is lurking right in our own backyards and on our favorite trails, and this is the time of year that they are out in abundance.

In case you are unfamiliar with foxtails, they are grasses with seed awns that are barbed and razor-sharp. They grow to be 2 to 5 feet tall and have a top with hair-like needles that resemble a fox’s tail or wheat. They might seem like a harmless little plant, but they are extremely dangerous to dogs because they can burrow into the skin, brain, spine, eardrums and lungs and cause infection, abscesses, swelling, pain or even death.

I do my best to avoid foxtails on my walks with Blue, but sometimes they are sneaky and find their way into his fur. After every walk, I give him the once-over to make sure I don’t see any of the golden-colored awns. Here are a few more tips for preventing foxtail problems:

• Examine your dog’s coat and brush him as necessary. Any dog can get foxtails, regardless of their coat length or texture, but dogs with long ears and curly hair are especially susceptible.
• Check your dog’s face and ears carefully, and don’t forget to look in and around his mouth and gums. Yes, they can get stuck there, too!
• Carefully check your dog's paw pads, especially between the toes.
• Foxtails will not come out on their own, so if you spot one that is already embedded or if the skin is red or swollen, call your veterinarian immediately.

If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms, talk to your vet:

• Feet: Foxtails can become embedded between toes, so check for foxtails if you notice swelling or limping or if your dog is constantly licking the area.
• Ears: Signs that your dog has a foxtail in his ear include shaking his head, tilting it to the side or scratching.
• Eyes: Redness, discharge, swelling, squinting and pawing could be the result of a foxtail lodged in the eye.
• Nose: Frequent and intense sneezing and discharge from the nose could be from a foxtail lodged in a nasal passage.

Foxtails are small plants that can cause big problems, so vigilance is key! Foxtails should not be taken lightly, so keep an eye out during your walks and always inspect your pups after your walks.

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