Foxtail in dogs poses a significant threat, as this weed-like grass can result in severe issues for your dogs. During the summer months, the seeds of these hazardous weeds find their way into the ground. When these seeds attach to your dog’s coat and penetrate its skin, it can lead to infections, and pain, and can cause death if left untreated. Dogs may encounter foxtails by inhaling them, swallowing them, getting them lodged in their ears, or embedding them in their soft paws.
Now, let’s talk about what the foxtail plant is and why it poses such a danger to your furry friends. Fortunately, there are techniques you can employ to safeguard your dog from the risks associated with foxtail plants.
What is foxtail? What does it look like?
In various countries, these grassy plants go by different names in local languages. Nevertheless, they are essentially summer grass, flourishing in spring, reaching full growth during the summer becoming dangerous for your dog, and fading away in the winter.
The term “foxtail” is bestowed upon these grassy plants due to their distinctive shape, closely resembling a fox’s tail (as shown above in the picture). Clusters of seeds arranged at their tips confirm this resemblance.
Where are foxtails found?
Foxtails can grow everywhere, but they are mostly found in places mentioned below.
- Open grassy fields
- Flat lands
- Hiking trails
- Parks
- Meadows
Although less prevalent in urban areas, the chances of encountering foxtail plants persist, especially in regions where uncontrolled grass growth is allowed. In warm weather, foxtails dry out and catch a ride with anyone passing by, including your dogs.
What does foxtail do to my dog?
The danger posed by foxtail plants to dogs lies in their burrowing nature. They can attach and initiate their burrowing process on any part of your dog’s body, including
- Mouth
- Ears
- Eyes
- Eyelids
- Nostrils
- Spaces between toes (paw pads)
Can a foxtail kill a dog?
In severe instances, foxtails can burrow through your dog’s skin, finding their way into the spine or thoracic cavity. The threat does not stop there; it persists as foxtails continue to burrow, posing a serious risk by impacting the internal organs of the dog. Additionally, they bring along bacteria and dust particles, exacerbating the already deteriorating conditions of your dog. Therefore, a foxtail in a dog will persist in causing serious issues and even cause death if it remains untreated. In cases of such severity, they are identifying and removing foxtails by advanced diagnostic tests and procedures.
Symptoms of foxtails in dogs
If you are living in an area where foxtails are found in abundance, here are some symptoms you can consider for foxtails’ presence on your dogs.
- Head shaking
- Pawing at the face
- Sneezing
- Limping
- Bloody nose
- Snorting
- Excessive licking of the specific spot on its body
Other symptoms that can be noticeable several days later include
- Lumps
- Bumps
- Inflammation
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Draining tracts
- Areas of redness
- Decreased appetite
In the direst circumstances, the embedded foxtail can reach vital organs in your dogs, including the lungs, heart, spinal cord, brain, and abdominal organs. This can manifest in symptoms related to the affected organ of your dog. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, surgical removal of foxtails from your dog’s body becomes necessary.
How to remove foxtail from the body of dogs?
Early removal of foxtails in dogs is important. If you reside in an area abundant with foxtail plants, make it a habit to check for them after outdoor activities.
Should you spot a foxtail on your dog’s skin or fur, promptly remove it using tweezers or any plucking material.
If you observe any of the signs of foxtail penetration into your dog’s skin or any opening, including the mouth, ears, and nose, seek the expertise of a veterinary doctor.
Avoid attempting to remove a foxtail from any body cavity of your dog on your own, as this may result in incomplete removal. Fragments could remain embedded, posing the risk of further burrowing. Foxtails might travel deeper into the body cavities, underscoring the importance of complete removal, a task best handled by a veterinary professional.
How to prevent your dog from foxtails?
There are a few options you can consider to prevent foxtail from injuring your dogs.
- Dogs with long coats are usually more susceptible to getting these annoying weeds. Ensure your dogs get trimmed during the summer to reduce the chances of any attachment from foxtails.
- Dogs extensively involved in outdoor activities, especially during summer months, should wear a commercially available vest designed to shield and protect their abdominal and chest cavities.
- To ensure your dog’s safety from these hazardous plants, make an effort to steer clear of areas where foxtails are abundant.
- A short leash can be a useful option when walking with your dog.
- If you notice any foxtail plants in your backyard, make a plan to get rid of them.
- Check for foxtails frequently, especially after outdoor visits, this practice becomes more important if you hike or spend time in foxtails-prone areas.
Also Read: Why Dogs Howl At Night.
Frequent Asked Questions
Foxtails are grass-like weed structures that produce seed heads resembling the tail of a fox. These structures have sharp, barbed bristles that can easily attach to a dog’s fur, skin, or paws. These bristles are designed to burrow into the ground, but when they come into contact with a dog, they can penetrate the skin, leading to various health issues.
Foxtails can cause a range of health problems in dogs. They can pierce through the skin, ears, nose, and eyes, and might even be ingested accidentally. This can lead to various problems, such as skin infections, the formation of abscesses, respiratory issues when inhaled, and potential harm to internal organs if ingested.
To protect your dog from foxtails, it’s important to avoid areas where these weeds are prevalent, especially during the warmer months when they are most active. Regularly grooming your dog’s coat and inspecting their ears, paws, and other vulnerable areas can help you identify and remove foxtails before they become a problem.
Signs that your dog might have encountered a foxtail include excessive licking or scratching of a specific area, sudden sneezing or nasal discharge, pawing at the eyes, shaking the head very vigorously, or showing signs of discomfort when trying to eat or swallow. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
