Dog Parents, Beware of Foxtails

As the warm summer days beckon us and our furry companions outdoors, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards that may lurk in our favorite play areas. One such danger, especially prevalent on the West Coast but found throughout the United States, is the foxtail plant. While it may seem harmless, these seemingly innocuous plants can pose a grave threat to your beloved canine friend, according to Newsweek.

Foxtails, aptly named for their resemblance to a fox’s tail with spiky clusters of seeds, are annual summer grasses that can be found in various outdoor settings. Dr. Gary Richter, a California-based veterinary health expert, emphasizes the importance of recognizing this issue, particularly during the plant’s high season in the summer. The recent viral TikTok video by @holisticpetradio with 1.8 million views serves as a stark reminder of the dangers these plants can pose.

@holisticpetradio

Foxtails have a barbed seed head that can work their way into any part of your dog or cat. It can burrow into the skin and in worst case scenarios, can make it to vital organs, including the lungs, spinal cord or brain, & heart. 🐾 Always do a visual inspection of your pet after walking in areas with foxtails (especially their paws) & give them a brush with a slicker brush or fine toothed comb to remove any possible seed heads caught in their fur. 🤕 Signs that your pet may have an embedded foxtail can vary greatly based on its location, but some signs include: – Retching cough, gagging, excessive salivation or stretching their neck to swallow – Eye swelling &/ or discharge – Repeated head shaking & tenderness in ears – Sneezing repeatedly or pawing at their nose – Abscesses, swelling & pain ❗️If you think your pet has a foxtail seed embedded in them, you should seek veterinary medical assistance immediately. #foxtail #foxtaildogs #dogsafety #dogpsa

♬ Jacob and the Stone – Emile Mosseri

Foxtails, also known as grass seed awns, timothy, cheatgrass, and various other regional names, are commonly found in hiking trails, parks, meadows, and open grassy fields. Even in urban areas where grass grows unchecked, they can still be present. Dr. Christina Fernandez, a veterinarian, highlights that foxtails can be a source of misery for dogs during the warmer months. She notes, “Foxtails are rife when the weather gets warmer, and I see dogs with foxtails every other day in my clinic in summertime.”

Foxtails are notorious for their ability to attach to various parts of a dog’s body, including the nose, ears, feet, and even within the skin. If your dog suddenly exhibits signs such as sneezing, squinting, or persistent licking, it could be indicative of a foxtail’s presence and should prompt immediate veterinary attention. Dr. Richter warns that removing foxtails can be a challenging task, often requiring sedation and surgical intervention, with rare instances leading to life-threatening complications.

To protect your furry friend, Dr. Linda Simon suggests avoiding areas where foxtail grasses grow. After outdoor excursions, thorough checks of your dog’s feet, between their paw pads, and other susceptible areas are crucial. For added protection, consider using products like the “OutFox Field Guard,” a protective netting that shields your dog from foxtails.

Besides foxtails, it’s essential to be aware of other toxic plants that can harm your canine companion. Dr. Richter advises against assuming that common houseplants and outdoor plants are safe. Many landscaping plants, such as azaleas, daffodils, elderberry trees, foxgloves, lilies of the valley, and poinsettias, can be toxic to dogs. Dr. Simon also highlights nettles as another plant to watch out for, as they can cause intense itching and discomfort upon contact.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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