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What Exactly Are Foxtails?
Foxtails aren’t a single plant species but rather the seed awns produced by several types of grasses, commonly found in the western United States but also present in many other regions. Think of species like wild barley or cheatgrass. These grasses grow rapidly during the wetter months and then, as temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, they dry out. The seed heads break apart easily, scattering tiny, arrow-shaped awns across fields, trails, sidewalks, and even backyards. The danger lies in their structure. Each foxtail seed awn is covered in microscopic barbs, all pointing in one direction. This design is brilliant for the plant – it helps the seed burrow into the soil to germinate. Unfortunately, this same mechanism allows the foxtail to relentlessly burrow into a dog’s skin, fur, and orifices, travelling only in a forward direction.Why This Structure Spells Trouble
Once a foxtail attaches to your dog, its journey often begins. The barbs prevent it from backing out easily. Movement, whether from the dog walking, shaking its head, or licking the area, encourages the foxtail to migrate deeper. It can embed itself almost anywhere on or inside a dog’s body, leading to irritation, infection, abscesses, and potentially severe internal damage if left unchecked.Foxtails do not dissolve or break down inside the body. Their barbed structure ensures they only travel deeper, potentially migrating far from the entry point. Prompt detection and removal are vital to prevent serious complications, pain, and infection.
Common Targets: Where Foxtails Lodge
While a foxtail can theoretically embed anywhere, some areas are particularly vulnerable due to a dog’s anatomy and behaviour during outdoor exploration.Paws and Legs
Perhaps the most common entry point is between the toes and pads of the paws. Dogs walking or running through grassy areas easily pick them up. The foxtail quickly works its way into the soft skin, causing pain, swelling, and often leading to limping. You might notice your dog obsessively licking or chewing at a specific spot on their paw.Ears
A dog’s ear canals are like open invitations for foxtails. A quick shake of the head in a grassy field can send an awn tumbling deep into the canal. Signs include sudden and intense head shaking, tilting the head to one side, pawing at the ear, whining, or signs of pain when the ear is touched. Ear infections can quickly follow if the foxtail isn’t removed.Nose
Dogs explore the world nose-first, sniffing eagerly through vegetation. This makes inhaling a foxtail a distinct possibility. Symptoms are usually dramatic and immediate: violent, explosive sneezing, often accompanied by pawing at the nose and nasal discharge, which may be bloody. The foxtail can lodge deep within the nasal passages.Eyes
Foxtails can easily become trapped under the eyelids, including the third eyelid. This is incredibly irritating and painful. Look for signs like squinting, excessive tearing, redness, swelling, and pawing at the eye. The foxtail can scratch the cornea, leading to ulcers and serious eye damage if not removed promptly.Skin and Coat
Anywhere on the skin can be an entry point, especially in dogs with longer or denser coats where the foxtails can get tangled easily before burrowing. They often cause a small puncture wound, which might then develop into a painful lump or abscess as the foxtail migrates under the skin. You might notice your dog persistently licking, chewing, or scratching at a specific spot.Genital Areas
Unfortunately, foxtails can also become embedded in the genital regions of both male and female dogs, causing significant discomfort, swelling, discharge, and potential infection. Obsessive licking of the area is a common sign.The Hidden Danger: Migration
The truly insidious nature of foxtails is their ability to migrate internally. Because they can only move forward, they can travel surprisingly far from their initial entry point. A foxtail entering a paw could potentially travel up the leg. One inhaled could migrate into the lungs, causing severe respiratory problems or pneumonia. There are even documented cases of foxtails migrating to the chest cavity, abdomen, spinal cord, and brain, leading to life-threatening situations that require complex surgery.Prevention: Your Best Defence
Given the potential problems foxtails cause, prevention is paramount during the seasons they are prevalent (typically late spring through fall, depending on your climate).Awareness and Avoidance
Be aware of what foxtail grasses look like and actively avoid walking your dog through areas with tall, dry, seeding grasses. Stick to maintained paths or mown areas where possible, especially during peak foxtail season.Yard Maintenance
Keep your own yard safe by regularly mowing your lawn before grasses go to seed. Identify and remove foxtail-producing weeds. Pay attention to fence lines and edges where these grasses often thrive.Grooming is Crucial
Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed, especially during foxtail season. Pay close attention to trimming the fur on feet, between the toes, and around the ears and armpits. Shorter fur makes it easier to spot foxtails and harder for them to get tangled and start burrowing.Thorough Checks After Outings
Make it a routine to carefully check your dog over after every walk or time spent outdoors in potentially hazardous areas. Run your hands through their coat, feeling for anything sharp or embedded. Inspect:- Between toes and paw pads
- Inside and around the ears
- Around the eyes and nose
- Under the armpits and groin area
- Around the mouth and genitals
- Their entire coat, especially if long or thick
Consider Protective Gear
For dogs frequently in high-risk areas, protective gear like dog boots or specialized mesh vests designed to prevent foxtail penetration might be worth considering, though consistent checks remain essential.Regular post-walk inspections are a simple yet effective preventative measure. Carefully examine paws, ears, eyes, nose, and run your fingers through your dog’s coat. Catching a foxtail before it embeds deeply can save your dog significant pain and prevent costly veterinary visits.
