How to Remove Foxtail in Dogs

Foxtails are a cluster of pointy seeds of several grasses that can embed in you dog's body and pose a health hazard if left unchecked. These barbed foxtail seeds wreak havoc on dogs during spring, latching on to the legs, fur, eyes, ears and nose of unsuspecting dogs and entering the animal's body. The seeds cause pain and injury as they travel within the dog's body. You can remove foxtails that are lodged on the exterior of your dog's body. However, if you suspect that a foxtail is lodged in his body, administer first aid and take your dog to a veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-combed brush
  • Mineral oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your dog's coat regularly with a fine-combed brush, to remove foxtails that are stuck to his coat. Inspect his body for foxtails, especially the area between his toes, ears, eyes, mouth, nose, armpits and around the groin. Remove and discard any loose foxtails that are stuck on your dog's fur or attached to the surface of his skin. Cut away matted fur to prevent foxtails from residing in them and entering your dog's body.

    • 2

      Observe your dog for symptoms of a foxtail embedded within his body. If your dog shakes his head vigorously and tilts it from side to side, a foxtail may have entered his ear. Pour three drops of mineral oil in your dog's ear. The mineral oil will soften the foxtail and prevent it from moving further inside the dog's body, and may even enable your dog to shake the foxtail out of his ear. Take your dog to the vet if you don't believe your dog has shaken the foxtail out of his ear.

    • 3

      Inspect the area around your dog's eyes. If your dog constantly paws his eyes, has a sudden eye discharge or a squint, or if his eye is glued shut, he may have a foxtail embedded within. Do not attempt to pull the foxtail out if you see it around your dog's eyelid, nor use an eye wash or eye ointment to flush it out. Prevent your dog from pawing his eye. Take him to the vet immediately for removal by a professional.

    • 4

      If you notice your dog incessantly licking red pus-filled bumps on his body, especially around the toes, feet and abdominal area, he could have a localized infection caused by a foxtail migration into the body. Take your dog to the vet for a medical examination of the bumps and, if needed, surgical extraction of the foxtail.

    • 5

      Pour three drops of mineral oil in your dog's nose if he sneezes sporadically and spasmodically, and if the sneezing bout is followed by a blood discharge. This is an indication that he may have inhaled a foxtail. The oil will prevent the foxtail from burrowing further into the nasal passage and provide your dog with temporary relief. Then take your dog to the vet for further examination.

    • 6

      If your dog gags, repeatedly swallows, has a bad mouth odor, or experiences difficulty coughing, or pain while eating or drinking, he may have ingested a foxtail. Take him to the vet for examination and extraction of the foxtail.