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Foxtail plants happen to produce awns that are situated at just the right height for it to happen. If a male dog lifts his leg in just the right way on a foxtail plant, a foxtail can stick in the area of the genitals and then migrate deeper. Foxtails, when they are findable and removable, are quite satisfying for vets. The affected dog has a definite problem that almost certainly will get worse with time if it’s not treated. Here's everything you should know about foxtails on dogs, including how to spot them and the next steps if you do find one on your dog.
If you see symptoms that might be consistent with an embedded foxtail, go to the vet as soon as possible. If you believe your dog has a foxtail in its paw but you can't spot it, you should likely visit a vet anyway. Embedded foxtails can cause abscesses that can spread infection through your dog's entire body. Foxtails can be found anywhere in the United States, but are most common in western states. There is a foxtail season that runs from late spring to early summer, but in states like California, they can exist all year long. Typically, foxtails embed in the skin between the toes or track into the ear canal.
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The one removed from my 16 pound dog’s eye socket was the long one. He is fine with no lasting damage because I took him to the vet within 24 hours of noticing symptoms. If the foxtail is found on or in the paws, you might notice a lot of paw licking and some limping when your dog walks. The paw might also be swollen or have swollen areas of skin between toes, and sometimes these swollen areas will have a pus discharge. The symptoms for a dog that has Foxtail on or in his nose is pretty easy to see since there will be a lot of sneezing, coughing, gagging, and bad breath.
The foxtail can enter the ear of the animal and then travel through the ear canal to the soft tissues and organs. Summer is arguably the best time of the year—you get to do all the outdoors things you love like camping, RVing, hiking, etc. Avoid foxtail-prone areas to prevent injury to your dog.
Where Do Foxtails Grow in the United States?
In the long term, they can lead to sinus infections and other, more serious complications. It's important to remove the foxtail as early as possible. So, if you spot one on your dog’s fur or skin, you can try to remove it with tweezers. Foxtails are a native grass where I live in the Sierra Foothills in CA—they are everywhere.
They are the barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant which is a grass-like weed primarily found in the western US. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
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Initially, I created this blog to share recipes, tips, and any relevant information on healthy homemade dog treats. My mission now is to find the most helpful content on anything related to dogs and share it with fellow hardworking hound lovers. While everything I share is in line with the latest evidence-based veterinarian health guidelines, nothing should be construed as veterinary advice. Please contact your vet in all matters regarding your Fido’s health. However, foxtail seeds tend to move deeper into the ear and they could easily get buried so deep that they are no longer visible to the naked eye.
Check for foxtails if you notice any of these signs in your dog, especially after a walk near tall grasses. This problem happens more in the summer months … when the seeds of the plants become dry and brittle. The dry seeds stick to your dog’s coat or pads of his feet more easily. Check for foxtails when you’re out hiking or hunting. Consider wrapping his paws with dog booties if there’s a chance you won’t be able to avoid areas where foxtails grow. If you notice foxtails and other tall grasses growing in your yard, either plan to remove them or hire a landscaper to help.
Can I remove a foxtail from my dogs paw?
He was noted to rub his left eye with his left front foot. His physical exam was unremarkable except for his left eye, which was too painful for him to open. When I tried to open the eye I could tell that the membranes around the eye were severely swollen. How does a dog get a foxtail in his private parts?
Yes, after my dog had to be sedated THREE times for foxtail removal from her ears, I got an Outfox too. She didn’t especially like it, but it worked well. My dogs leg is swollen today after a week of treatment frombthe vet visit for foxtail in paw. While some first aid may be possible in the event of a foxtail wound, in almost all cases you should get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. I’m a certified dog behavior specialist, board-certified veterinary technician, and owner of Absolute Excellent Pets.
Embedded foxtails can cause inflammation and pain. If your dog is showing any of the following signs and symptoms, take him to your vet as soon as possible. An embedded foxtail can cause serious infection because the seeds don't degrade inside the body. Not only do they dig themselves into the skin, but they also work their way in through the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. The seeds from these weeds burrow into his skin, which may cause discomfort, infection, and sometimes, more severe problems. On average, it will cost anything from $150 – $450 to remove foxtail from your dog’s ears.
Preventive Vet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For more tips on paw protection and care, check out "How to Properly Care for Your Dog's Paw Pads." Perfect for combing out foxtails and burrs, as well as checking for fleas and ticks. How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Foxtail in Their Paw Constant licking between the toes. If you must walk in areas where there are foxtails, keep your dog on-leash. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that will kill foxtail as well as most all other plants .
Another way to use Epsom salt for foxtail removal is to make a paste. Combine 1/2 cup of Epsom salt with 1/4 cup of water and stir until the salt is dissolved. Apply the paste to your dog’s paw and rub it in gently. Let the paste sit on your dog’s paw for minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. They are also very tough to find in your dog's fur.
As a rule of thumb, always pay attention to tell-tale signs like the dog vigorously shaking his head and scratching his ear. The exact cost will depend on how far the foxtail is lodged in the ear and whether or not surgery will be needed. If your dog has a long coat, you may want to use a fine-toothed comb to remove any foxtail in his fur. First and foremost, remove any foxtail growing in your yard. This way, you can rest easy knowing your dog is safe as long as he is at home and only have to worry about foxtail when at the park or some other place away from home. However, you should only remove it yourself if you are absolutely sure it is not burrowed in the ear or you will risk pushing it further in.
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For instance, you can get your dog a field guard that is made of mesh. Foxtail seeds will eventually lead to infection which if not treated can be fatal. As a result of this burrowing nature of foxtail, it can cause irreparable harm to vital organs. Nothing gets your dog more excited than playing in the tall grass with butterflies, squirrels, and other creatures. Check for foxtails frequently and after periods of outdoor play, especially if you hike or spend time in foxtail-prone areas.
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