Foxtails are a nasty weed that can be found in lots of places and are a hazard to dogs. The foxtail barb will work its way into their ears, feet, eyes, or anywhere on their body. A dog can get it in their mouth or nose as well. The barb gets embedded in the dog and can go undetected until there is an abscess and that's the problem is that we can't see them most of the time until there is a huge problem. I read a story in the Whole Dog Journal about a dog that ate grass and accidentally got foxtail in his mouth. He ended up going to the emergency vet where he was sedated to get the little barbs out that had lodged in his tonsils! However, five days later he had to go back to the vet because he had an abscess in his cheek where a barb had been missed. I have had dogs that have gotten them in their feet. The barb will work its way into the pad and be very painful. If your dog gets into foxtail, I would suggest trying the homeopathic remedy, Silica which pushes foreign objects out of the body. Keep a very close eye on your dog for any signs of pawing at their mouth or rubbing their ears, or licking their feet. Watch for swelling or heat that may mean there is an infection. If you suspect your dog has gotten a foxtail, seek medical attention. Nasty, nasty weed!
5 Comments
5/26/2019 02:03:25 am
thanks for your warning, i will keep my dog far away this weed
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6/29/2020 12:24:20 am
I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it
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12/27/2023 07:29:13 pm
Thanks for the tip about using homeopathic remedy Silica; it's always good to have some options to try before rushing to the vet. The Whole Dog Journal story you mentioned is a stark reminder of how dangerous foxtails can be. Let's all be vigilant and keep a close eye on our pets, especially during foxtail season!
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1/1/2024 10:38:38 pm
I completely agree with your concerns about foxtails. These little weeds can cause big problems for our four-legged companions. The fact that they can embed themselves in a dog's ears, feet, and even mouth is truly worrisome. It's essential for pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers and to keep a close eye on their dogs, especially when they are outdoors in areas where foxtails might be present.
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1/3/2024 02:29:42 pm
Wow, I had no idea how dangerous foxtails could be for dogs until I read this post! It's so scary that these little barbs can get lodged in various parts of a dog's body without us even realizing it until there's a serious problem. The story about the dog that ended up with foxtails in his tonsils is both eye-opening and terrifying.
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