Throughout the beautiful Bay Area — and in most other parts of the United States — a seemingly innocuous plant that grows in fields, parks and even backyard lawns can be a serious hazard to dogs. Foxtails pose significant dangers, causing pain, injury and even life-threatening conditions. Related Articles What makes foxtails dangerous is their design.
These grasses have seed awns with a sharp, pointed shape, resembling the tail of a fox, hence the name. The barbed seeds are designed to burrow into the ground for propagation but can inadvertently attach to a passing animal, including dogs. The danger lies in the foxtail’s ability to penetrate the skin, ears, eyes, nose and mouth of dogs.
According to the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, “If not discovered quickly, the foxtail can burrow its way toward vital organs and vessels, causing irreparable harm.” Identifying foxtail-related issues can be tough, as symptoms vary depending on the location of the foxtail and the dog’s reaction. Common signs include persistent sneezing, pawing at their ears or eyes, shaking of the head, coughing, signs of discomfort while eating or drinking, or redness and swelling in a certain spot.
In severe cases, abscesses or draining tracts may develop, indicating a deeper infection. Last summer, my own dog Bowie kept worrying about his paw. I didn’t think much of it until I saw a red, swollen spot between two of his toes.
I took him to the veterinarian, and sure enough, there was a tiny fox.
