07/03/2024
FOXTAILS- What are they and why should you be concerned?
The danger of foxtails goes beyond simple irritation. Because these tough seeds don’t break down inside the body, an embedded foxtail can lead to serious infection for your dog. It can even lead to death if left untreated. Once embedded, the seed always moves forward inside the body. Because foxtails won’t show up on an x-ray, it is hard to find, so surgical removal is not always successful.
Risks and Symptoms:
Foxtails can dig through your dog’s skin or be inhaled through its nose or mouth. The spiked seeds then travel through your dog's body and can move to its brain, lungs, and other organs. If your dog shows signs of distress, such as limping or trouble breathing, or if you notice any of the following symptoms, check for foxtails or see your veterinarian:
•Paws: Foxtail seeds fall to the ground, and your dog can easily step on them. Once that happens, the seeds can embed themselves between your dog’s toes. Check for foxtails if you notice swelling or limping or if your dog is constantly licking their feet.
•Ears: If you notice your dog shaking his head, tilting it to the side, or scratching nonstop at their ear, it could be a sign of an embedded foxtail. The seed can move deep inside your dog’s ear canal making it impossible to detect without your vet's help.
•Eyes: Look for redness, discharge, swelling, and your dog squinting and pawing the area. It may mean that a seed has lodged itself inside your dog’s eye.
•Nose: If you see any discharge from your dog’s nose, or if your dog is intensely and frequently sneezing, a foxtail may be lodged in your dog’s nasal passage.
•Genitals: Foxtails can find their way inside your dog’s ge****ls, too. If your dog is persistently licking the area, it could be a result of foxtails.
•Skin: If you notice any wounds or abscesses on your dog’s skin, it could be from a foxtail seed.
Prevent issues by:
•Examining your pet’s coat during foxtail season — generally May through December — especially if you’ve gone walking in open fields. Brush your dog as necessary, looking especially closely for pointy foxtail awns in your dog’s thick or feathery fur.
•Check your pup’s face and ears carefully for foxtails. Don’t forget to look in and around your pooch’s mouth and gums.
Carefully check your dog’s paw pads for foxtails — especially between the toes.
•Use tweezers to remove any foxtails you can easily get to. But if a foxtail is deeply embedded, or if the area around it is red or swollen, call your veterinarian right away. Remember, foxtails won’t come out on their own, and they can burrow into the brain, spine, eardrums, lungs — actually, anywhere.
•Keep your dog out of overgrown, grassy areas. You should also pull out any foxtail plants you find in your yard. Also consider trimming your dog’s fur during foxtail season, especially if it tends to persistently get foxtails in one spot.
Don’t count on any foxtail to come out on its own!
