Foxtails!
Foxtails, the seeds or awns of a variety of wild barley grass, are a common sight in Ramona fields, hillsides, vacant lots, and many backyards in the months from March to August. Nothing is potentially as deadly and as hard to eliminate as foxtail barley, which was brought here from its native habitat in the bellies of Spanish cattle making the passage to the New World.
The name "foxtail" is given to several types of grasses with hard seed bearing structures with sharp pointed ends and microscopic barbs. The grasses become dangerous as the seed head dries. It's easy to overlook foxtails on a dog because the damaging individual reproductive structures are so small, but it is the most common foreign body removed by veterinarians.
Foxtails can enter the dog's body through any opening and can even be inhaled. Once inside the body, they can travel long distances along with the bacteria embedded with it. Because the foxtail won't show up on an x-ray, it is hard to find, so surgical removal is not always successful.
Once embedded, the seed always moves forward. The seed head of a foxtail can burrow through the dog's skin into his body. Foxtails also cause a problem when they get between the toes and burrow into the feet. Inside the body, they can travel long distances along with the bacteria embedded with it. Because the foxtail won't show up on an x-ray, it is hard to find, so surgical removal is not always successful.
Your dog or cat needs medical help if foxtails gets embedded in the following areas:
Nose
If your pet is sneezing or pawing at his nose, check for a foxtail although it is unlikely you will see it. Sometimes the dog will exhibit bleeding from the nostrils. The symptoms may disappear after a few hours, only to return and affect the dog intermittently. General anesthesia is required to search and remove foxtails from the nose.
Ears
Foxtails can work their way into the ears of the dog, causing pain and sometimes infection. If the dog is tilting or shaking his head, check the ears immediately and remove any debris or excess wax. If the dog continues to paw at his ear, moves stiffly or cries with pain, an examination of the ear is needed.
Mouth and Throat
Foxtails embedded in the dog's or cat's mouth and throat will cause a retching cough, gagging, salivation and possibly compulsive grass eating. If your pet stretches his neck to swallow, get immediate medical advice.
Eyes
Tears and mucus discharge mean eye irritation. Check the your pet's eyes for any signs of the cause. Foxtails can also cause squinting and swelling of the eyes and if not removed quickly can cause painful corneal ulcers.
Don't count on any foxtail to come out on its own. If the dog has been outside during foxtail season, check the coat, ears and between the toes regularly. Once embedded, the foxtail will work its way into the dog's body.
There are some steps you can take to try and prevent foxtails from harming your pet:
- Get rid of any foxtails in the yard
- Watch out for foxtail in areas that your dog is walked and if found, leave the area and find a more dog friendly place examine them often
- Foxtail stickers are carried by the wind, so even if the yard is free of the grass, your dog is still vulnerable. Brush your pet and check for foxtails at the end of each day
P.S. CATS CAN GET FOXTAILS TOO