Foxtails are found all over most of the Western United States and we have them here in Butte County. They are widespread and impossible to avoid during the summer. In this article, I will cover the reasons why foxtails are so dangerous, what the most common injuries are and how to help prevent those injuries from happening.
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous
Chances are you have seen foxtails even if you haven’t thought about them very much. Foxtails are found in open areas such as – hiking trails, roadsides, overgrown fields basically anywhere grass can grow. You will see them in both Upper Park, Lower Park, and almost every hiking trail once the grasses turn brown.
Foxtails and other grass seed awns are designed to burrow. This allows the seed to work its way deeper into the soil but it also makes it a hazard to any pet.
Due to its barbed design, the foxtail is always moving forward with the movement of your pet. Forward through your pet’s skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and private areas especially in females. This movement forward can make it very difficult for a vet to find and remove the foxtail.
Foxtails can move from the nose and get lodged in the brain. They can go through the skin to the lungs. Once embedded they can cause anything from swelling to death.
Where To Look For Foxtails On Your Pet & Signs To Look For
Foxtails are not easy to spot if you see any of the systems listed below you should contact your veterinarian immediately for a check-up. Finding the foxtail right away will make it much easier to find and remove. The longer the foxtail remains in your pet the deeper it can move into your pet making the foxtail much harder to find and remove.
Ears
The ears are one of the most common entry points.
- Excessive head shaking
- Pawing at their ears
- Crying when you touch their head
- Head tilted to one side
- Redness or discharge
- Odor
Paws
The paws are another one of the most common entry points on your pet.
- Limping
- Constantly licking
- Swelling
- Swollen lump
Eyes
- Swollen
- Red or irritated
- Squinting
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Glued shut
- Pawing at the eye
- Rubbing the eye against the floor or furniture
Nose/Mouth
- Sneezing frequently and intensely
- Coughing
- Discharge from the nose
- Gagging – exaggerated swallowing movements
- Hard time breathing
- Increased bad breath
Genitalia
- Excessive licking of genitals
- Blood in urine
Under Skin
- formation of sores or abscesses
Tips for Preventing Foxtails
Foxtails can find their way into any pet however some pets are more prone to have the foxtails stick into their fur. Pets with curly hair can be especially prone to have foxtails stick into their hair.
- Examine your pet’s paws carefully especially between the toes
- Check your pets’ face and inside their ears
- Look around their mouth and gums
- Trim your pet’s hair during the summer
- Brush your pet well
- Feel over their entire with your hand
- Check underneath the collar
- Keep your pet out of overgrown grassy areas
Items that can help prevent foxtails
- Still make sure to check your pet over thoroughly with the steps listed above
- Face protection: Outfox Field Guard – great for protecting the eyes, ears nose, and mouth
- Paw protection: Dog boots – there are many different types and brands I like Ruffwear and Muttluks
The best way to prevent any problems with foxtails is to stay away from areas where they are growing. If you see any growing in or around your yard make sure to pull them. Being overly cautious during foxtail season is a good way to help keep your pet happy and healthy.