What Are the Dangers of Foxtails for Dogs?

Foxtail is a type of weed that grows in areas west of the Mississippi River. Foxtail grows during the spring and dries out in the summer, at which time its seeds become loose. Foxtail seeds can easily stick in a dog's fur and end up in his paws, ears, mouth, nose or genitals. Once inside the body, the prickly seeds are not easily dislodged and pose a serious health threat, migrating to the dog's internal organs, glands and even the spinal cord.

  1. How to Spot Foxtail

    • Foxtail is a type of barley that grows in damp areas, including riversides, ponds, or even yards. Foxtail stalks are usually 1 to 3 feet tall. The seeds located at the tops of the stalks look like bushy fox tails, though they vary in color and thickness.

    Symptoms

    • If a foxtail seed finds its way into your dog's body, the symptoms will vary depending on where the seed is. The dog will paw and scratch at the site of the entry in an attempt to remove the seed. If it is in the ear, the dog will exhibit symptoms similar to an ear infection, such as a foul smell and discharge. If it is in the nose, your pet will probably suffer from bloody sneezes. Foxtail seeds in the eyes cause watery discharge, or eyes that appear glued shut. A dog with a seed in the mouth or throat will have difficulty eating and drinking and will gag. A seed in the paw, genital area or on an open wound will produce a lump that is painful to the touch. A dog will often persistently lick the entry spot.

    Treatment

    • Embedded foxtail seeds must be removed by a trained professional. If you think your dog has an embedded seed, take it to the vet immediately. The treatment will depend on where the seed entered the body and how severely embedded it is. Very calm dogs may not need sedation, provided the seed is not deeply embedded. Most dogs, however, will require sedation and sometimes surgery. If the seed is not yet deep within the entry site, you may attempt to remove it yourself, but if the seeds are not removed properly they can continue to cause problems.

    Prevention

    • Though it may not always be possible to prevent a dog from picking up foxtail seeds, some careful attention after walks can improve the chances your dog will not receive a serious injury from one. Brush the dog thoroughly after every walk, inspecting the fur over the entire body. Look into the nose and ears and check paws and genital areas. Any sign of an embedded seed warrants a trip to the vet. If an embedded seed is not treated quickly, it can migrate deep into the body and cause serious harm or death.