Fox Tail Season

Hi everyone!  Well, it’s that time of the dry year we like to call in the veterinarian world ”Foxtail Season”.   It’s not only frustrating for owners but us as well due to those pesky things being very hard to find sometimes! 

So where are the most common places we extract foxtails from, let me tell ya.

1. The Nose
2. The Ears 
3. In Between the toes
4. Mouth 

Some less common places I’ve seen extracted are, on the lateral side of the body (thorax or abdomen region).  In the vulva of females and prepuce of males. Or in the third eyelid.

Quick Tip:

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How to Prevent Foxtail Injuries and Remove Foxtails From Your Dog

Authored by Jason Nicholas, BVetMed (“Dr. J”)

Find me on: LinkedIn Twitter

April 4, 2018

Foxtails are most often found in open areas — hiking trails, along roadsides, in overgrown parks and other open fields — and grow at the top of grass stalks. Foxtails get their name because, well, they look like the tail of a fox, with layers of upward-facing spines protruding from the center.

Foxtails and grass seed awns are designed to do one thing: burrow. This is how the grass spreads as the seed slowly works its way deeper and deeper into soil and becomes lodged when the barb-like spines set in place. And this is why foxtails are such a hazard to dogs. 

Due to the unique shape of this seed, it’s always moving forward — never backward. Forward through your dog’s skin. Forward through their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Forward through their lungs. Forward through their paws. And even forward through your dog’s “private swimsuit” areas.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Foxtails

It’s nearly impossible to rid foxtails from your dog’s environment, especially during the summer, but you can still prevent a serious problem.

You can avoid places where foxtails are most likely to be hiding, such as in tall grass, or off the main walkways. But for dogs that are more likely to go romping through fields — for example, hunting dogs, dogs in rural areas, and hiking/outdoorsy dogs — try these prevention aids: 

Face Protection: OutFox Field Guard, great for protecting the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

Paw Protection: There are many great brands of protective dog booties, and some that are better for different breeds, sizes, and/or personalities. Both Ruffwear and Muttluks are great places to start.

RUFFWEAR Polar Trex V2 Dog Snow Boots 3.2522

RUFFWEAR Polar Trex V2 Dog Snow Boots 3.25″

Muttluks-Fleece Lined Dog

 Boots Set of 4

Muttluks-Fleece Lined Dog Boots Set of 4

Muttluks-Woof Walkers with Lighter Duty Leather Sole Dog Boots Muttluks-Woof Walkers with Lighter Duty Leather Sole Dog Boots

Even if you use one of these products, you should still check for grass seed awns and brush out your dog’s coat after any walk. That being said, these tools can help spare you and your dog significant pain and financial expense! 

      This was a great article and covered foxtail issues from beginning to end!  I recommend reading it if you have issues with foxtails and still need more knowledge on the subject.  I can personally tell you that extracting foxtails is a lot more expensive than preventing them! When they burrow in an extremity or the side of the body we call it a track. Sometimes they are not found on the first go around so we flush it and send home antibiotics and hope for the best. If it is a foxtail and the body does not push it out then another procedure and search are warranted! 

The outfox field guard is highly recommended by Dr. K Waltie and is highly reviewed! 

Good luck this foxtail season & thanks for reading.