How to Minimize Foxtail Risk to your Dog

The dried seed head of the Foxtail grass can pose a 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. 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.
Take steps to guard your dog from the health risks that can be caused by Foxtail by taking the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Brush your dog carefully at the end of each day to remove any tiny slivers of Foxtail.

2. Clear any foxtail that is growing in your yard. Try to do this before the foxtail dries to prevent the seeds from scattering.

3. Look out for foxtail in the places you walk your dog. If the Foxtail is growing in the area, find a safer place.

4. Be aware that the foxtail stickers can be blown around by the wind. Even if you don't have foxtail in the yard, the seed structures can be picked up by you or your pet.

5. Trim the hair on the dogs feet and between the toes to make foxtail easier to spot.

Tips & Warnings

• The foreign body most commonly removed by vets is Foxtail.

Resources

• Foxtail Dangers for Dogs

[EarthMother]

on 5/5/2009 How to Minimize Foxtail Risk to your Dog educated me on something I didn't even know was a risk to my doggie. Thank you. Smile!

[Ladybugblue]

on 4/24/2009 Very interesting article on foxtail. Thanks for the informative article.5*****

[zahzel]

on 4/23/2009 This foxtail situation has happened to one of my dogs once. Very bad when it gets under there skin. Z