Foxtails

If you found this page, then you probably already have a problem. If you suspect that your dog or cat has a foxtail, please take them to the vet immediately. Never try to remove a foxtail yourself...they are designed by nature to go in but not come out...it is very painful and they can break off and you may not know it. Always go to your vet for help with foxtails.

What is a foxtail?...they are the seeds produced by different types of grasses. They look like innocent fluffy puffs. However, when the seeds dry and are brushed by something (ie your pet), they fall off and start burrowing. The unfortunate part is that these seeds have barbs designed to help them burrow into the hard ground and when they become entangled in your pet's hair, they can do serious damage by burrowing into the skin and traveling throughout the body. In the most serious cases, foxtails have been known to travel through the body and puncture the lungs and heart.

The most common place to find a foxtail is between the toes and around the paws. Symptoms of foxtails between the toes are licking, swelling, pain, and drainage. They can quickly develop an abscess at the point of entry. If you notice any of these symptoms, please take your pet to the vet.

Another common and dangerous entry point is through the nose. Most dogs lead through the grass with their noses and can easily sniff up the foxtail. Symptoms of foxtails in the nose are immediate and uncontrollable sneezing, drainage, bleeding, and shaking head. If you notice any of these symptoms, please take your pet to the vet.

Other areas that get foxtails are the eyes, ears and throat. In the eyes causes discharge and swelling...in the ears they cause head shaking and severe pain....in the throat causes coughing and gagging. If you notice any of these symptoms, please take your pet to the vet.

Prevention:

Stay away from fields filled with dry grass that has not been mowed.

Always brush your pet after being in tall grass.

Check their paws daily for soreness and licking.

Shave long haired breeds just before summer.