The recent rains mean many good things: rushing creeks, the easing of water use restrictions and the arrival of a “super-bloom” of flowers. But rain also boosts the abundance of unwanted, grassy pests known as foxtails.
“We see most cases [of foxtails] from April through autumn. It is much better to remove them before they become embedded.”
The foxtail, or grass awn, is shaped like a fox’s tail, with seeds arranged in spiky clusters with backward-facing barbs. They are found throughout the United States but are most prominent in the West, especially on hiking trails and in meadows and fields, where grass grows uncontrolled.
When the weather gets warm, foxtails dry out and can stick to clothing and pets’ fur. They can attach anywhere, including underneath an eyelid, in the nose, in the mouth and in the ears. My practice also sees them caught between the toes and in many other places. They tend to embed themselves and work their way into the fur and flesh.
“The best way to prevent foxtails is by keeping your pet out of overgrown grassy areas.”
Pets suffering from embedded foxtails can display many symptoms, depending on where the barbed invader is located. A pet may shake its head, paw its face or rub its ears on the ground. Some pets may sneeze continually, sometimes with blood, if a foxtail has made its way into their noses. We see pets with sudden eye squinting and discharge. Dogs also may chew on the affected body part and lose their appetite.
“Some owners may trim their pet’s feet or coat to prevent foxtails from adhering to the fur.”
Foxtails are a summertime annoyance. We see most cases from April through autumn. During this time, always check your pet’s fur to see if foxtails are present. It is much better to remove them before they become embedded. Once they break the surface, the edges fan out like an umbrella and can be impossible to remove without anesthesia.
If your pet has excessive sneezing, ear problems or visible wounds, seek veterinary help as soon as possible. The best way to prevent foxtails is by keeping your pet out of overgrown grassy areas and pulling any foxtail plants from your yard. Some owners may also trim their pet’s feet or coat when possible to prevent foxtails from adhering to the fur.
