Lookout for Foxtails

Foxtails are common around Ramona. They are annual grasses that are common in weedy areas around roads, paths and fields. These grasses are soft and green during the first few months of the year. In late spring, however, the heads begin to dry, creating a threat to your pet during the summer and fall.

 
There are more than 40 species of foxtails around North America. Most species have dense, cylindrical, often brush-like flower clusters that resemble the bushy tails of foxes. The heads have sharp points at one end and several microscopic barbs. These barbs allow the head to easily move in the direction of the point, but not the opposite direction. Foxtails can slip easily into holes, like ears and noses, but the tiny barbs make them difficult to pull out.
 
Foxtails cause problems for dogs and outdoor cats. If your pet has long or thick hair, foxtails embedded in the coat will eventually burrow through the skin and into the body. For pets with short hair, foxtails get started in between the toes and burrow into the feet.
 

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Keep an eye on the following common foxtail problems:

• Nose foxtails: Signs include pawing at the nose, severe sneezing and possible bleeding from the nose. Symptoms sometimes diminish after several hours, becoming intermittent.
• Ear foxtails: Signs include tilting and shaking the head, pawing at the ear, crying and moving stiffly.
• Eye foxtails: Signs include squinting the eye, redness, swelling and mucous discharge.
• Throat foxtails: Signs include swallowing repeatedly, stretching the neck, gagging and coughing.
• Feet foxtails: Signs include licking excessively, redness of the toe web and possibly a bump.

 
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If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately.
 
Prevention goes a long way

• Keep your pet out of fields with long grass
• Keep your lawn trimmed and free of weeds and brush
• Brush your pet's fur daily, feeling for any raised areas that may be harboring a foxtail
• Examine your pet's ears, armpits and groin area daily
• Have long-haired pets clipped short in the spring and summer