Many pet parents don’t realize it, but some plants can turn a pleasant walk into a dangerous outing. One of the most common culprits across the globe is the foxtail plant, also called foxtail grass or grass awn. These grass seeds can be produced by many different types of grasses – and all of them can cause problems for your pet.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails help grasses cluster their seeds into a group so they can distribute them efficiently and over a wide area. The foxtail contains spiky legs that hold the seeds in place. When the seeds fall to the ground, the wind can easily pick them up and spread them around.
Because of the spiral design, foxtails can also twist into the ground, embedding in the soil so they are ready to grow. Unfortunately, this genius design from the plant world only brings trouble for our pets.
Foxtail Injuries
Foxtails are meant to attach and burrow into soil – or anything they land on. When they land on a pet’s fur, or get picked up between an animal’s toes, the foxtail does what it has been designed to do.
As the foxtail slowly twists into the surface, the spiral becomes lodged into hair and eventually into the skin, making it impossible to remove without reversing the spiral. In most cases, foxtails are not noticed until they are fully burrowed through the skin layer.
A foxtail will burrow into the skin in pretty much any location on a pet, but they’re notorious for embedding between the toes. Pets with furry feet are especially prone to foxtails, but any pet can pick these dangerous hitchhikers up. Foxtails have been found in many other locations, including the eyes, ears, along the spine, and on the shoulders.
Removing Foxtails
If the foxtail has just been picked up and the spiraling has not begun, you can pluck foxtails off your pet. This is a good habit to get into if you walk your pet in an area with lots of seeding grasses, or if your pet has long fur. Checking your pet’s toes, ears, eyes, and body is a good way to prevent foxtails from embedding.
In many cases, foxtails are not caught until they have embedded. At this point, pet parents generally notice a swollen red area, often resembling a large pimple. Many pets will experience discomfort and will obsessively lick the area where the foxtail resides. In many cases, the foxtail will create a small abscess, and blood-tinged fluid may drain from the area.
If you suspect your pet has an embedded foxtail, make an immediate appointment with your veterinarian. In many cases, your pet may need to be sedated so your vet can explore the area where the foxtail has embedded. It is wise to withhold food from your pet the morning of the appointment in case they do need to be sedated.
Preventing Foxtail Injuries
Foxtails are present in all parts of the world, so avoidance is often impossible. Quick recognition can help the pet by removing the foxtail before it becomes deeply embedded. Making a foxtail check part of your end-of-walk routine can keep your pet healthy and safe.