Dangers Of Foxtails For Dogs In Utah

This article is written in partnership with Mountain West Veterinary Specialists. 

If you’re new to Utah and the Salt Lake City area foxtails may sound like fuzzy little animals, unfortunately, it’s a part of a plant that can cause your dog a lot of pain and you a lot of stress. 

Not to worry, we are going to teach you all you need to know about foxtails and your dog, from prevention to treatment, we have you covered.

The term foxtail is commonly used to describe “spikelet clusters of bristled seeds found on a number of types of grasses,” according to experts from Mountain West Veterinary Specialists.

What Are Foxtails?

Foxtail is a shortened name for the Foxtail Barley plant. You’ll also hear the plant referred to as cheatgrass. It kind of looks like what you would picture wheat to look like when it’s dry. Or just picture the wheat emoji.

The seeds, located on the ends of the tall grass, are what can get your dog into trouble. It is a barbed pod that can work its way into your dog’s skin if not removed quickly.

“A foxtail can cause more than simple irritation, because of their shape they can enter the body and migrate forward into the body from the point of entry to almost anywhere else. Because these seeds have a tough outer husk they do not break down and can cause infection and inflammation as they migrate. In extreme cases, they can migrate to vital organs like the lungs or heart,” according to vets at Mountain West.

Foxtails In Utah

Foxtail Barley (or cheatgrass) is found all over Utah and in Salt Lake, favoring low to mid-elevations but can be found in higher alpine areas. In short, it’s pretty much everywhere in our state.

It is found on trails, in the foothills and even just around town growing near sidewalks, in people’s yards and at public parks. If you are a dog owner in Utah, being diligent about checking your dog’s fur and feet for foxtails is essential and could save you a lot of pain (and money) at the vet. 

Mountain West also recommends avoiding letting your dog run around in un-maintained fields full of tall grasses. Areas like that are hot spots for foxtails.

Foxtails Season 

Foxtail season in Utah lasts from Spring through Summer. Growth begins in late April and the plant matures from June to August. The mature, dry grass is what causes most problems for dogs. When the grass is dry is when the barbed seeds begin to fall off the plant increasing your dog’s chances of getting a piece buried in their coat and eventually skin. 

Foxtails And Your Dog

When it comes to Foxtails and dogs the best plan of attack is prevention. You can help prevent your dog from coming into contact with foxtails by knowing what they look like and trying to steer clear of any areas overgrown with tall grass. If you’re out with your dog and you notice an area overgrown with cheatgrass, it’s best to leash your dog and guide them around the area.

Your next defense against a costly and painful foxtail incident is to check your dog’s fur thoroughly after every walk, hike or outing. If you can catch the barbed seed before it starts burrowing you can take it out before it becomes a problem that could require surgery.

There are some common areas on dogs foxtails tend to burrow so always make sure you are thoroughly checking your dog’s ears, nose and paws after every outing.

Signs Of Foxtail Injury In Dogs

If you notice your dog licking excessively in one area after being outdoors you should quickly check the area for redness and swelling. Limping is a common sign of a paw that could be affected by a foxtail and head shaking is a sign your dog may have one in its ear.

“We recommend checking your pet — especially the paws and ears — for foxtails. If any are found they can be removed by hand or brushed out. If you notice any swelling, abscesses or wounds we recommend taking the pet in for evaluation,” veterinarians at Mountain West told Dog Friendly SLC. 

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Once a foxtail begins to burrow it can cause infection and migrate nearly anywhere throughout your dog’s body. Keep an eye out for redness and even discharge, both of those can be a sign of infection. 

Removing foxtails from dogs can require surgery, sedation and exploration. Following the procedure your dog may be unable to walk and play for some time while they heal, depending on the location and severity of the injury. 

If you find yourself in need of emergency vet care, don’t hesitate to visit Mountain West Veterinary Specialists in Layton, Utah. They provide 24-7 services. 

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