Protecting Your Dog From Deadly Foxtails
Foxtail season is here, and while the dry, golden grasses may look harmless, they pose a serious and potentially life-threatening risk to your dog. Unfortunately, foxtails are a common problem in California, and have been reported in almost every state west of the Mississippi, they are also now spreading to the East Coast.
What Are Foxtails?
When you hear the word “foxtail,” it’s not referring to a single plant. Instead, it’s a general term for several types of grasses found throughout the United States, including brome, barley, and millet.
The name foxtail actually comes from the seed pods of these grasses. These pods are made up of sharp, barbed seeds called grass awns. While they may look harmless, grass awns can easily become embedded in a pet’s skin, nose, ears, or paws—leading to pain, infection, and even serious health risks if not treated quickly.
Why Are Foxtails So Dangerous?
The real danger of foxtails comes from their unique barbed seed heads. These arrow-shaped awns are covered in microscopic barbs that allow them to burrow progressively into a dog’s fur, skin, or orifices.
Once a foxtail embeds itself, those barbs act like tiny one-way hooks, making it nearly impossible for the seed to fall out on its own. With each movement your dog makes, the awn can travel deeper into the body, causing pain, infection, and potentially serious health complications.
Foxtails can enter a dog’s body in numerous ways:
- Paws: The most common entry point is between the paw pads or into the tender skin of the paw itself. As a dog walks or runs, the foxtails can penetrate the skin, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. If left untreated, they can migrate up the leg.
- Ears: Foxtails can easily enter the ear canal, causing intense irritation, head shaking, pawing at the ears, and even loss of balance. They can puncture the eardrum, leading to serious infections and potential hearing loss.
- Nose: Inhaled foxtails can lodge in the nasal passages, leading to violent sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes even bleeding. They can travel further into the respiratory system, and cause severe complications.
- Eyes: Foxtails can become lodged under eyelids, causing severe irritation, redness, discharge, and even corneal ulcers. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
- Mouth and Throat: While less common, foxtails can be ingested or get stuck in the gums, tongue, or tonsils, causing pain, drooling, and difficulty eating.
- Genitals: Foxtails can also enter the preputial sheath of male dogs or the vulva of female dogs, leading to irritation, licking, and potential infections.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Because foxtails can continue to migrate deeper into the body, they may also lead to serious internal problems. Prompt removal by a veterinarian is the safest way to prevent complications.
If you suspect your dog has a foxtail, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. Warning signs can include:
- Excessive licking or biting
- Redness or swelling
- Sneezing or nasal discharge, or even trouble breathing
- Heading shaking
- Squinting or tearing
Prevention Tips
When it comes to foxtails, prevention is always the best approach. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your pet safe:
- Avoid Grassy Areas: Steer clear of fields, trails, or parks known to have foxtails.
- Regular Grooming: Brush your dog thoroughly after every outdoor excursion, paying close attention to paws, ears, and underbelly.
- Paw Protection: Consider using protective booties for dogs who spend a lot of time in foxtail-prone areas.
- Protective Masks: These masks are made from a breathable mesh material and are designed to prevent foxtails, burrs, and other debris from entering your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The material allows your dog to pant and drink water comfortably while wearing the mask.
- Regular Inspections: Daily checks of your dog’s coat, paws, ears, nose, and mouth are essential, especially after walks.
- Trim Fur: Keep fur between paw pads and around ears trimmed short to reduce the chances of foxtails catching.
We’re Here For You
Foxtails pose a serious risk to your pet’s health. The good news is that with early detection and treatment, many complications can be avoided. At Lincoln Hills Veterinary Hospital, our team is here to help—whether it’s providing preventive guidance or treating foxtail-related emergencies.
If you think your pet may have come into contact with a foxtail, don’t wait—contact us right away for prompt care and peace of mind.