What to Do If Your Dog Sniffs a Foxtail
Foxtails are deceptively dangerous plants for dogs, often causing serious health issues if inhaled or embedded in sensitive areas. Understanding the threats posed by foxtails and how to respond when your dog sniffs one is essential for any responsible pet owner.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are types of grasses with bushy, barbed seed heads that resemble a fox's tail. Common species include brome, barley, and millet, as well as Giant, Green, and Yellow foxtails. These grasses are especially prevalent in drier regions of the western United States but can be found throughout North America, typically in fields, roadsides, and disturbed sites.
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous to Dogs?
- Barbed Seeds: The seeds, or awns, are covered in barbs that allow them to attach to fur and skin and burrow into tissue.
- Unidirectional Movement: Once attached, these barbs only move forward, making them prone to migrating deeper into the body.
- Infections and Abscesses: Foxtails can carry bacteria, leading to infection and serious complications if not removed.
- Vital Organ Impact: In rare cases, they can migrate into vital organs, causing life-threatening conditions.
Signs a Dog May Have Sniffed a Foxtail
Sniffing a foxtail can cause immediate or delayed symptoms. Watch for:
- Persistent sneezing or nasal discharge
- Pawing at the nose
- Bleeding from the nostrils
- Labored breathing or coughing
- Head shaking if awn entered the ears
If your dog displays any of these symptoms after walking in grassy areas, prompt action is critical.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Visual Inspection: Check your dog’s fur, especially around the nose, ears, eyes, and between toes.
- Do Not Attempt Deep Removal: If you suspect the foxtail has entered the body (especially nose, ears, or eyes), do not try to remove it yourself. Barbs can cause further damage or leave fragments behind.
- Contact Your Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment immediately. If symptoms are severe—gagging, excessive bleeding, or coughing—seek emergency veterinary care.
What to Expect at the Vet
Removal of a foxtail that has entered a body cavity may require:
- Anesthesia for safe removal
- Diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays)
- Surgical intervention for deeply embedded awns
- Antibiotics to treat any infection
Quick medical attention can prevent the condition from worsening or leading to complications like abscesses.
Foxtail Prevention Tips
- Avoid foxtail habitats: Do not walk dogs through dry grassy fields, especially during late spring and summer.
- Maintain your yard: Trim grass short, remove seed heads by mowing and raking.
- Routine checks: After walks, inspect your dog—concentrate on ears, nose, eyes, belly, and paws.
- Groom intentionally: Trim fur between the toes and around the ears for easier detection.
- Protective gear: Consider dog boots for walks in high-risk areas.
Conclusion
Though small and seemingly innocuous, foxtails can pose a serious mechanical threat to your dog’s health. If your dog sniffs or comes into contact with one, stay vigilant for signs of distress and act swiftly. Prompt recognition and veterinary care can prevent potentially severe complications. Prevention, through avoidance and routine grooming, offers the best protection against these hazardous barbed seeds.
