Symptoms And Treatment For Dogs Who're Stuck With Foxtails

Symptoms And Treatment For Dogs Who're Stuck With Foxtails

Foxtails are clusters of grass that can easily get stuck in a dog’s body. Here are common sites of the canine body where this may happen, and what to do about it.

Nose

Foxtails in the nose can lead to tissue damage, irritation, and infections, all of which may travel to the brain. Symptoms include:

  • Violent sneezing
  • Slight bloody discharge

In this case, your dog must be taken to the vet as soon as possible. A vet will sedate your dog and inspect the area of the nose to see how they can help.

Skin

Foxtails under the skin can lead to irritation, infection, and abscesses, all of which may travel through the body. Symptoms include:

  • A small lump or bump
  • A small hole in the middle of the bump

A vet will need to remove the foxtail surgically.

Eyes

Foxtails in the eyes can lead to corneal scratches, irritation, conjunctivitis, ulcers, and even blindness. Symptoms include:

  • Eyes glued shut
  • Squinting
  • Discharge

Bring your dog to a vet immediately for foxtail removal.

Mouth/Throat

Foxtails in the mouth and throat can cause oral damage, lung damage, periodontal pockets, and infection. Symptoms include:

  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Hacking
  • Gagging

You can use tweezers to pull out a foxtail, or give your dog bread to push the seed through to the stomach. A vet visit is still warranted.

Ears

Foxtails in the ears can cause damage, irritation, infection, and deafness. Symptoms include:

  • Shaking of the head
  • Tilting of the head

Get mineral oil and squirt it into the ear to help soften the foxtail, unless the eardrum has been damaged. You should bring your dog to a vet as soon as possible if this happens.

Paws

Foxtails in the paws can lead to infections or abscesses. Symptoms include:

  • Swelling between the toes
  • Repeated paw licking
  • A small hole between the toes

Use tweezers to try and remove foxtails you can see. Soaking the paw in warm water for 15 minutes can help with foxtails that are embedded. You should still see a vet.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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