Foxtails are a danger to dogs between April and October. Shaped like a harpoon and equipped with barbs, foxtails can cause infections in dogs: in the paw, nose, eye, or in the genital area. There is no treatment for foxtails in dogs, but you can prevent them with preventive measures. We'll tell you everything about foxtails in dogs.

Foxtail: definition

What is a foxtail?

A foxtail is the tip of wild grasses like foxtail barley. It measures 1 to 2 cm and resembles a wheat ear. Its appearance is often compared to an arrow or harpoon tip, as it is equipped with barbs, making it dangerous for dogs!

When dry, the foxtail detaches from the plant and clings to your dog's coat thanks to its pointed and sharp shape, which allows it to progress to the epidermis. With its barbs, the foxtail embeds itself in your dog's skin and sinks completely, creating an infection and an abscess.

The foxtail can enter through an orifice (nostril, ear, or eye) and cause internal damage, even reaching a vital organ (lungs, for example).

The main danger of foxtails in dogs is their ability to migrate from one area to another.

When to watch out for foxtails in dogs?

Foxtail season starts in April and lasts until October. Be vigilant from spring, as soon as the good weather arrives, and until the end of summer.

The period of foxtails for dogs can vary from one region to another, depending on weather conditions. Dry and sunny areas are riskier, as they promote the growth of foxtails.

Foxtails are generally found in fields, tall grass, and meadows. They also grow in cities, around trees, or in unmown areas. You can find them in your garden if you don't mow the grass regularly.

How do dogs get foxtails?

A dog can pick up a foxtail as soon as it passes near a dry grass stem, sniffs it, or rolls on it.

Foxtails in dogs can embed themselves:

• in the fur and down to the epidermis;
• between the toes or paw pads;
• in the ears, right into the ear canal;
• in the mouth, throat, and into the digestive system;
• in the nostrils, all the way to the lungs;
• in the genital areas: vulva, sheath, or anus.

Symptoms of a dog with a foxtail

The symptoms of a foxtail in a dog are:

• a swollen, watery, or closed eye, or frequent blinking;
• successive sneezing;
• itching in the ears: your dog scratches with its paw or shakes its head frequently;
• redness or a lump between the paw pads or in the skin;
• lameness;
• a recurring cough;
• repeated licking or nibbling on a particular area: vulva, sheath, paws, etc.

The behavior varies depending on where the foxtail is lodged in your dog! Pay attention to all signals and any unusual behavior in your furry friend.

In the most serious cases, a foxtail in a dog can cause vomiting, bleeding, and fever. If your four-legged companion seems lethargic, or refuses to drink or eat, consult your veterinarian immediately!

How to avoid foxtails?

Discover tips to avoid foxtails in dogs!

1. Mow your lawn regularly

If you are the proud owner of a garden, mow your lawn regularly. Remember to do all the edges: along your fence, gate, terrace, etc.

Mowing helps to cut down grasses and plants before they have time to develop foxtails that are dangerous for your dog.

2. Inspect your furry friend after each walk

After each walk, between April and October, inspect your dog:

• coat;
• skin: belly, armpits, inner thighs, etc.
• orifices (nose, ear, and eyes);
• paws;
• paw pads.

3. Avoid areas with tall grass

Prefer walks in forests or woods because foxtails are less common in these areas.

As much as possible, avoid taking your furry friend into areas with tall grass: fields, meadows, and even some urban parks. Unfortunately, some municipalities do not mow public spaces: parks become dangerous for dogs with foxtails!

How to remove foxtails?

A foxtail cannot come out on its own: in some cases you can intervene, and in others, you will need to contact your veterinarian! Expect to pay between €50 and €150 for a veterinarian to remove a foxtail, without surgical intervention.

My dog has a foxtail in its ear, what should I do?

Arm yourself with a headlamp to examine the inside of your dog's ear.

If the foxtail is visible on the mobile part of the ear, then you can intervene. Take tweezers and grasp the foxtail at its base.

If you have no visibility of the foxtail in your dog: do not intervene! It could enter the ear canal and lodge near the eardrum. The deeper it goes, the more you risk an operation for your dog's foxtail.

The price of an operation for a foxtail in a dog costs between €200 and €2,000, including sedation.

How to remove a foxtail from my dog's paw?

Use your tweezers or a foxtail remover for dogs if you have one.

You can remove the foxtail from your dog's paw, only if its base is still visible. Make sure you have removed the entire foxtail, otherwise you risk worsening the situation. If in doubt, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

How to remove a foxtail from a dog's nose?

The nose is a very sensitive area for dogs! Do not try to remove the foxtail.

If you think your dog has a foxtail in its nose, go to your veterinarian immediately.

Foxtail in my dog's eye

At the first symptoms of a foxtail in your dog's eye, take your furry friend to the vet. Do not wait as your dog risks losing its sight.

Do not use any product on its eye: you risk worsening the situation and creating an infection with the foxtail!

Virginie and Atlas