How to Minimize Foxtail Risk to your Dog

Your dog may need to be seen by a veterinarian. Do not wait.

The dried seed head of the foxtail grass can pose a serious health risk to your dog. The sharp point on the end of the individual reproductive structure of the foxtail moves forward, and once embedded can travel to any part the dog's body, even the spinal cord. The foxtail won't come out on it's own, and often needs the intervention of a vet to remove, especially if it finds its way into the eyes, ears, throat or nose of the dog. Foxtail grows across the United States, though is most commonly found in the Southwest. If you live in an area where foxtail grows, such as areas west of the Mississippi and some places in Southern California, guard your dog from the dangers inherent in foxtail.

Things You'll Need

• Dog brush or slicker

Instructions

1. 

   Long-haired dogs are more susceptible to the dangers of foxtail.

   Brush your dog carefully at the end of each day to remove any tiny slivers of foxtail. Inspect and examine your dog's coat and skin after each outing where foxtail is present. The seed of the foxtail can become embedded in the skin and you will need to look carefully to spot it. Rub your hands over your dog's skin and coat, especially if you have a long-haired dog, which is more susceptible to foxtail. Check his nose and mouth carefully, as the seeds can be easily inhaled.

2. 

   Check your dog's nose carefully, as the seed can be easily inhaled.

   Clear any foxtail that is growing in your yard. Try to do this before the foxtail dries to prevent the seeds from scattering. Mow your yard often in order to kill off the foxtail. If you mow in late spring, you will help prevent the seeds from spreading and growing more foxtail.

3. Watch out for foxtail in the places you walk your dog. Be extra vigilant in parks or other places were foxtail may be present. If the Foxtail is growing in the area, find a safer place. Be aware that the foxtail stickers can be blown around by the wind. Even if you don't have foxtail in the yard or the park where you take your dog, the seed structures can be picked up by you or your pet.

4. Trim the hair on the dogs feet and between the toes to make foxtail easier to spot. Throroughly examine between his toes, his anal area, near his ears, groin, armpits and in and around his ears. If you see a foxtail seed, pull it out gently so as not to break it in half.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog has been eating grass, there is a good chance he has ingested the foxtail. It could become lodged in his throat, so be sure to check his throat if he has been eating grass.

• The foreign body most commonly removed by vets is Foxtail. If the Foxtail seed is embedded in your dog's nose, ears throat or eyes, get him to a vet immediately.

References

• Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue: Foxtail Grass Dangerous to Dogs
• SF Dog: Foxtails Are Dangerous To Dogs!
• Bella Online: Foxtails - A Deadly Summertime Danger

Resources

• Bright Star Setters: Foxtails