Foxtails, a common weed, tend to grow during the spring and summer. This plant may look harmless, but it can cause serious harm to your pet. Foxtails have a sharp, barbed tip that can hook into an animal’s skin and cause severe damage.
Our veterinary team sees many pets (especially dogs) with painful foxtail injuries. The most common thing our team sees is when the barbed portion of the plant works its way between toes or into ears and noses.
What makes foxtails so dangerous?
The barbed tip of a foxtail can easily get stuck in your pet’s body. Once inside, it can continue to move deeper and cause infections or other serious problems. The most dangerous exposure to foxtails happens if a dog inhales a foxtail, such as when they’re running through a field with an open mouth. If this happens, the foxtail can travel into the lungs and become life-threatening. This case is uncommon, but very dangerous.
The most common places for foxtails to get stuck are:
- Between the toes
- Inside the ears
- Up the nose
- In the eyes or mouth
Signs your pet might have a foxtail
Check your pet’s fur, paws, and ears after every walk, especially if you’ve been near dry grass or open fields. Look for these signs after your pet has been outside:
- Licking or chewing the same spots
- Red and swollen skin, especially on the paws
- Head shaking or ear scratching
- Sneezing or pawing at the nose
- Squinting or rubbing the eyes
How to protect your pet from foxtails
Even on windy days, foxtails can float through the air and land on your pet’s fur, so it’s important to stay alert.
- Keep their coat trimmed. Keep your dog’s coat short during the spring and summer, especially around the feet. Some groomers also offer a “foxtail cut.”
- Avoid tall grass. Don’t let your pet run through fields where foxtails often grow.
- Check after every walk. Look closely at your pet’s paws, ears, nose, and belly. Gently remove any plant pieces you see.
- Watch for symptoms. If your pet is sneezing a lot, shaking their head, or acting uncomfortable, call your vet right away.
We’re here to help
If you think your pet has a foxtail injury, call our hospital at (415) 554-3030 right away. Acting quickly can prevent more serious problems. You can also use our online pharmacy to refill prescription food, medicine, and supplements from home.
Stay safe this summer and make sure to give your pet a little extra attention after outdoor adventures to prevent foxtails!