Foxtails are a common sight in Ramona fields, hillsides, vacant lots, and many backyards in the months from March to August, yet nothing is potentially as deadly to your dog or cat, or as hard to eliminate. The name “foxtail” is given to several types of grasses with hard seed-bearing structures with sharp pointed ends and microscopic barbs.
The grasses become dangerous as the seed head dries. These can enter an animal’s body through any opening and can even be inhaled. The seed head of a foxtail can even burrow through the skin into his or her body, and once embedded, the seed always moved forward. Inside the body, they—and the bacteria embedded with in—can travel long distances, spreading dangerous infections. Foxtails also cause problems when they get between the toes and burrow into the feet. Because it won’t show up on an x-ray, it is hard to find an embedded foxtail, so surgical removal is not always successful.
It’s easy to overlook foxtails on a pet because the damaging structures are so small, but it is the most common foreign body removed by veterinarians. If the dog has been outside during foxtail season (especially late spring and summer), check the coat, ears, and between the toes regularly. Don’t count on any foxtail to come out on its own.
