Why are foxtails dangerous to pets? – SwiftCurrentOnline.com – Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings – SwiftCurrentOnline.com

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Foxtail grass is a beautiful element of the prairie domain ranging from fuzzy and green to brittle and brown, but it poses a dangerous threat to livestock and pets. 
As the summer temperatures start to rise, the awns of the plant become barbed and dry, easily catching and burying itself into the animals.  
Rae-Leigh Pederzolli, an associate veterinarian with Maple Creek Veterinary Services, said some of the common cases are where the pieces get stuck between the toes, in the ears, eyelids, nose, and mouth.  
“If they’re eating it, then we want to see clinically how they’re doing after,” she expressed. “We sedate, have a good look, remove everything we can, give painkillers and an anti-inflammatory, then if needed, antibiotics.” 
Pederzolli advised pet owners to look out for symptoms of foxtail pieces stuck in the mouth, such as excessive pawing, licking, coughing, or salivating, and to bring the pet into a clinic to be checked. 
If swallowed, the injuries can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdomen pain, in which case a visit to the vet is urgent.  
Avoiding areas where the grass is present is the easiest way to prevent external or internal foxtail wounds, but if avoiding isn’t possible, Pederzolli suggests frequent checks of your pet’s body. 

“Have a good check of your dog right after you’re done having your walks if there’s foxtail around,” she encouraged. “And just keep an eye out even after; if you see some red irritated skin or find a little lump that’s new, that’s absolutely something to watch.” 
Another recommendation she made is a product called an Outfox Field Guard, that acts as a net around the animal’s head to prevent any pieces from entering the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.  
The nifty product can be found on the Outfox for Dogs website.
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