Throughout the beautiful Bay Area — and in most other parts of the United States — a seemingly innocuous plant that grows in fields, parks and even backyard lawns can be a serious hazard to dogs. Foxtails pose significant dangers, causing pain, injury and even life-threatening conditions.
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What makes foxtails dangerous is their design. These grasses have seed awns with a sharp, pointed shape, resembling the tail of a fox, hence the name. The barbed seeds are designed to burrow into the ground for propagation but can inadvertently attach to a passing animal, including dogs.
The danger lies in the foxtail’s ability to penetrate the skin, ears, eyes, nose and mouth of dogs. According to the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, “If not discovered quickly, the foxtail can burrow its way toward vital organs and vessels, causing irreparable harm.”
Identifying foxtail-related issues can be tough, as symptoms vary depending on the location of the foxtail and the dog’s reaction. Common signs include persistent sneezing, pawing at their ears or eyes, shaking of the head, coughing, signs of discomfort while eating or drinking, or redness and swelling in a certain spot. In severe cases, abscesses or draining tracts may develop, indicating a deeper infection.
Last summer, my own dog Bowie kept worrying about his paw. I didn’t think much of it until I saw a red, swollen spot between two of his toes. I took him to the veterinarian, and sure enough, there was a tiny foxtail that had already burrowed in. Fortunately, the vet was able to remove it quickly.
However, recently, San Rafael resident Catherine Tryon had a much bigger scare. She spotted her dog, Widget, burying his face in some weeds that had sprung up near her home. She pulled Widget, a Chihuahua mix, away but it was clear he’d gotten in trouble. He was sneezing continuously and soon, droplets of blood were spraying out.
“I took him to our vet, concerned he’d gotten a foxtail up his nose but she couldn’t see anything through her scope other than inflammation so she suggested we see a veterinary internist,” she said. “His sneezing got so violent and bloody that I took him to the pet emergency hospital. The internist told me it could be a nasal tumor and I was absolutely devastated. But the CT scan was clear, so the vet did one last exploration of his nasal passages and finally found the tiniest foxtail bud.”
Preventing foxtail-related injuries requires vigilance and proactive measures. Regularly inspecting your dog’s coat, especially after walks and hikes, can help detect and remove foxtails before they cause harm. Keeping grassy areas well-maintained, avoiding overgrown areas during walks and using protective gear, such as breathable mesh hoods, can help.
If you suspect your dog is exhibiting symptoms of foxtail-related issues, immediate veterinary care is essential. Delayed treatment can exacerbate the situation, leading to more severe complications and pain for your pet. Veterinarians can safely remove foxtails and provide necessary treatment to prevent infections or other complications.
Let’s remember to pay attention to our dogs when we’re out walking with them, especially on hikes— for a variety of reasons. We can’t fault them for their curiosity but we can protect these precious members of our family if we keep our eyes off our phones and on them.
Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin. Visit marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane.org, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.
