Southern California is a dream in September, especially for dog parents. The sun is out, and the heat has abated, which leaves conditions ideal for getting outside with our precious pets. But every year, veterinarians in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and beyond get reports of foxtail injuries in dogs.
Foxtails are plants of the genus Hordeum and several related annual grasses. Their sharp, barbed tips can burrow through your pup’s fur and into her skin—or worse, straight into your dog’s moist nose or delicate ears. Ouch! From there, the foxtails can burrow even deeper, potentially causing internal problems.
What can pet parents do to keep their furry family members from foxtails during a California September? The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital shares our best tips for prevention and treatment of this thorny threat.
Foxtail Prevention: What to Know
First things first: the longer the grass, the more chance there is that your dog will find herself in foxtail territory. These barbed plants grow in un-mowed, grassy meadows, the likes of which you’ll easily find on any hiking trail in our beautiful corner of the state.
September is when these plants mature, making it more likely than ever that your dog will get foxtails if she wanders off-trail.
To prevent your dog from getting foxtails, simply keep her on a six-to ten-foot leash anytime you’re out hiking, and stay on maintained trails. If you notice long grass right next to the trail, keep Fido from walking in it.
Next, make it a habit to check your pup for any signs of foxtails after a hike or nature walk. Run your fingers through and around the paws, ears, nose, tail, and body, checking for signs of poky intruders.
What to Do When Your Dog Gets a Foxtail (or Forty)
The moment you spot a foxtail, stay calm and avoid trying to pull it straight out. Foxtails are excellent at burrowing deeper with every outward tug, embedding them further and further into your pup’s body.
If the foxtail is only caught in your dog’s fur or is shallow enough to remove easily with clean tweezers, you may be able to remove it at home.
But if it’s embedded in the skin or has entered the nose, ears, eyes, or paws, contact your veterinarian promptly. Trying to remove a deeply embedded foxtail yourself can push it farther into the tissue or leave pieces behind.
Foxtail Removal for Dogs in Los Angeles
For help removing foxtails stuck in your pup, reach out to the skilled team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. Whether the foxtail has freshly lodged itself in your dog’s skin or has been festering for days, we can help safely remove it without causing your pup’s body further damage. Conveniently, since we’re a mobile vet, we can come to you!
Reach out to us at 818-614-9929 to schedule a mobile vet visit today.