The Dangers of Foxtails and Dogs

In Arizona, there are plants called foxtails. These can be quite dangerous for pets depending on where they manage to stick to. Foxtails are most dangerous when they dry out and are carried by the wind because they can land just about anywhere. If you have a dog that loves to run through the desert or dry fields, you should worry about foxtails. If your dog does manage to get a foxtail lodged in his/her paw, they can usually be extracted fairly fast if you notice them. However, many pet owners do not notice that their pet has a foxtail stuck in the paw. It also depends on the dog because all dogs will not limp with a foxtail on the paw. The foxtail does not necessarily have to be stuck in the paw. It can be caught in the fur and at a later date, migrate its way into the dermis of the paw.

IF the foxtail manages to migrate through the dermis, it can migrate up the dogs leg and cause a localized mass secondary to the foxtail. At this stage, the foxtail needs to be surgically removed. In severe cases, the foxtail can actually move up along the back and into the spine. The paw is not the only place of concern. The ears are especially vulnerable to foxtails and can become stuck deep in the ear canal. If the foxtail manages to migrate past the tympanic membrane, it can begin to cause all sorts of neurological problems. If it remains in the ear canal, extraction is quite simple, but usually done under sedation because of the depth the foxtail is at. Ear infection secondary to foxtails are very common and in some cases, a small mass in the ear canal may develop if the foxtail manages to puncture the tissue on the inner canal.

If your dog is shaking his/her head quite often and they love playing in grassy fields, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. The doctor will examine the ears with an otoscope and determine what the origin of the head shaking/ear scratching is. Avoid taking the foxtail out at home if it is deep, you may damage the ear drum and cause further damage. In severe cases your dog may exhibit a head tilt. This may indicate that the foxtail has compromised the ear drum and is causing neurological issues as mentioned earlier. When going for a walk in the desert or through a field, you should always examine your pet's paws and ears for any signs of foxtails.