Foxtails can cause serious problems for dogs. The term “foxtail” often refers to parts of the wild barley plant, especially the dry, spiky seed cases or stems that can easily get stuck in an animal’s fur or skin. Wild barley (Hordeum murinum) and other similar plants, like foxtail grasses (Setaria spp.), usually have these spiky parts designed to spread seeds via animals. This plant element is a dry, spiky seed or stem that easily attaches to an animal’s fur and can even penetrate the skin or deeper tissues. Foxtails not only cause pain and irritation but can lead to more serious health issues if not treated promptly.
What are Foxtails?
Foxtails are dry plant remnants specifically designed by nature to stick to animals’ fur and spread seeds. These plant parts often have sharp points or hooks that allow them to burrow into an animal’s skin or fur.
Problems Foxtails Cause in Dogs
When a foxtail penetrates a dog’s skin, it can cause pain, inflammation, and, in severe cases, infection. Foxtails are particularly dangerous because they do not dissolve and can keep moving deeper into the animal’s body, causing further damage.
Common Places Foxtails Can Penetrate:
- Between the toes
- In the ears, causing severe pain and potential hearing damage
- In the nose, causing sneezing and breathing issues
- Around the eyes, leading to injuries and infections
- Under the skin, where they can move within the body
Symptoms of Foxtails in Dogs
- Constant licking or chewing at the penetration site
- Sudden sneezing if it enters the nose, possibly with light bleeding
- Head shaking or ear scratching if it gets in the ear
- Limping or paw licking
- Swelling, redness, or pus leaking from under the skin
Solution: Visit a Vet If you suspect your dog has picked up a foxtail, you should see a vet immediately. The vet has special tools to remove foxtails and provide the necessary treatment for any wounds or infections. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Prevention and Avoidance
To prevent injuries from foxtails, it’s best to avoid areas where these plants grow, especially during dry seasons. Regular grooming, particularly for long-haired dogs, can help detect and remove foreign objects, including foxtails, before they cause problems. It’s also recommended to check your dog’s ears, paws, and coat regularly to spot potentially dangerous foreign objects like foxtails (or even ticks). If you find something foreign, you can carefully remove it if easily accessible, or seek veterinary help if unsure.
Treating Foxtails Injuries at Home
In some cases, if the foxtail is just stuck on the fur’s surface, you can carefully remove it. However, if it has already penetrated the skin or if you’re unsure of the severity, it’s best not to attempt home removal, as this could cause more harm. In such situations, a vet’s expertise and tools are essential for safe removal and beginning the healing process.
Awareness of Foxtails Dangers
It’s important for dog owners to be aware of the risks associated with foxtails, and also to understand how to prevent them. Sharing information in community groups, as well as on dog forums, and through vet-provided materials can help dog owners be better prepared, and more capable of dealing with these dangers.
Additional Preventive Measures
- Avoid walking in areas known for foxtail presence
- Plan walks during summer to avoid places with tall grass
- Regular veterinary checkups so vets can inspect the dog’s skin, ears, mouth, and other body parts for early detection of potential foxtail problems
Avoiding foxtail-related injuries primarily comes down to prevention and awareness. To keep our dogs safe and healthy, we need to be proactive and attentive during walks and stay aware of potential dangers in our surroundings. Seeking timely veterinary care is crucial if you suspect a foxtail is present, ensuring fast and effective treatment.
And if you’re already dealing with foxtails, take a moment to read what kind of owner your dog wishes you to be.