It's Foxtail Season - Keep your Pup Safe

Pups groom. train. love
May 24
4 min read

As the weather gets warmer, many dog owners are eager to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry friends. However, the arrival of foxtail season also signals hidden dangers. These sharp, barbed seeds might look harmless, but they can cause serious harm to your pet if they manage to attach to their fur.

By following these simple yet effective safety tips, you can keep your dog safe throughout foxtail season.

Understanding Foxtails and Their Risks

Foxtail plants thrive in grassy areas, particularly during the warmer months. You can find them along hiking trails, in parks, and even on sidewalks.

This family of plants produce long, green stems that culminate in dense clusters of bristle-like seeds making them adept at sticking your dog's fur. As these seeds dry, they become sharp and barbed, which allows them burrow into the skin and once there, they can only do one way and that is inward. Once lodged, foxtails can lead to serious health issues penetrating critical organs like the heart and lungs.

Some specific areas where foxtails pose the most common threats include:

Ears: If a foxtail gets stuck, it can lead to infections that may affect your dog’s hearing.
Eyes: Foxtails can scratch the cornea, leading to severe pain and potential vision problems if not treated swiftly.
Paws: When foxtails become lodged in the footpad, they can cause inflammation or abscess, making it difficult for your dog to walk.
Nasal Passage: If a foxtail gets into your dog's nose, it can cause sneezing, bleeding, and even breathing difficulties, which may require immediate veterinary attention.

Preemptive Measures While Walking Your Dog

Taking proactive measures during walks is critical to keeping your dog safe.

Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of weedy areas where foxtails are common. Instead, opt for pet-friendly walking trails or paved paths. This can reduce the chances of encountering foxtails significantly. For instance, a trail with dense vegetation has a higher risk—it's better to choose open spaces where visibility is clear.
Leash Your Dog: Keeping your dog on a short leash helps you maintain control and steer them away from potential foxtail hotspots. This is particularly useful in areas where these seeds are known to grow abundantly.
Choose Dog-Friendly Footwear: Consider investing in protective booties for your dog. These can shield their feet from foxtails. Booties made from durable materials have been shown to reduce foot injuries by 90%, keeping your dog safe during outdoor adventures.

Regular Checks After Outdoor Activities

After each outdoor adventure, a thorough inspection of your dog is essential.

Inspect Fur and Paws: Check for any foxtails stuck in their fur, particularly on paw pads, underbelly, and behind ears. The area between the toes is particularly susceptible, as foxtails can become lodged there easily.
Examine Ears and Eyes: Look inside the ears and around the eyes for any foreign objects. If your dog is shaking their head, this may indicate a foxtail issue that requires immediate attention.
Body and Belly Checks: Perform a full body scan to identify any signs of discomfort, such as limping or excessive scratching. If your dog shows sigs of distress, it's crucial to consult your vet immediately. A quick visit can prevent more severe complications.

And don't forget your own shoes, socks, and clothing! You don't want to bring them into your house with you!

Recognizing Symptoms of Foxtail Ingress

Understand the signs that your dog may have encountered a foxtail so you can act promptly.

Sneezing and Coughing: Persistent sneezing or coughing can indicate a foxtail lodged in the nasal passage or throat, potentially requiring immediate veterinary care.
Head Shaking: Dogs often shake their heads when experiencing discomfort. If you notice this behavior, check their ears thoroughly for any foxtails or abscess caused by an embedded foxtail.
Limping: If your dog starts limping or appears in pain, it may signify a foxtail embedded in their paw. In fact, around 25% of cases involving foxtails lead to minor plastic surgery to extract them safely.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Community Responsibility

We can share the responsibility of keeping our dogs safe during foxtail season.

Educate Others: Spread awareness among fellow dog owners about the risks of foxtails. The more aware people are, the better equipped they will be to protect their pets.
Clean Up On Walks: If you find foxtails in your local parks or trail, report them to the parks department or remove them if safe to do so. Collective action can significantly reduce foxtail populations in popular dog-walking areas.
Raise Awareness: Use social media or community boards to share information about foxtail hazards. Pictures and infographics can effectively convey the risks and promote safety measures among your community.

Keeping Your Dog Safe This Season

As you plan your outdoor adventures this foxtail season, remember the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. By understanding the risks and adopting safe habits, you can help your dog enjoy the great outdoors without putting their health at risk.

Taking a moment to check your dog thoroughly after every outing can prevent issues down the road. Let’s work together to protect our four-legged friends and ensure this season is filled with happy, healthy adventures.

Spread the word . . . share this blog post with every dog lover you know. Together, we can keep all the pups safe this foxtail season!