Foxtail season is fast approaching
Foxtails are annual grasses that are common in weedy areas around roads, paths, and fields. They are soft and green January thru March or early April. In late spring however, the heads begin to dry and that is when danger begins, lasting throughout summer and fall. Foxtails slip easily into holes, but their tiny barbs make them difficult to pull out. Foxtails cause problems for all breeds and can become embedded in the coat and will eventually burrow through the skin and into the body. Common sites of entry are through the nose, ears, in between toes, the throat and can even in the eye.
If your dog shows any signs of pawing at the nose, sneezing, bleeding from the nose, tilting or shaking the head, pawing at the ear, crying or moving stiffly, squinting or has any redness or swelling or is licking an area excessively you should bring him in immediately. In addition to this being painful, and causing localized abscesses and infection, foxtails can migrate and lodge in the lungs or other internal organs.
Prevention can be easy by keeping your dog out of fields with long grass, keeping your lawn trimmed and free of weeds and brush, check your pet regularly after walks. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.