SAFETY TIP:
What is a Foxtail?

 

ATTENTION! FOXTAIL SEASON is upon us! July - October.

Foxtail plants can be risky for your dog.  The barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant can work their way into any part of your dog, from the nose, lungs, to between the toes and inside the ears, eyes and mouth.  They can even simply dig themselves directly into a patch of skin.

 

The foxtail plant is a grass-like weed, mostly found in the Western half of the US.  Find them along hiking trails, parks, near lakes with tall weeds, open spaces, and overgrown lawns.

The danger of foxtails goes beyond simple irritation -- because these tough seeds don’t break down inside the body, an embedded foxtail can lead to serious infection for your dog.  It can even lead to death if left untreated.  The seeds can be hard to find in your dog's fur.  Check between your pup's paw pads, regularly brush coats and feel around for foxtail seeds and remove them.  If you can't remove it, it's time to see your dog's veterinarian.

 

Foxtails travel.  Moving relentlessly forward, never back, they can migrate from inside your dog’s nose to its brain.  They can dig through skin or be inhaled and then perforate a lung.​