Foxtail-Nasty Weed!!

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! 

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