How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Foxtail Injury
Fox Tails
Given their relatively small size and ability to burrow just about anywhere, there are a number of things that will signal your dog has an embedded fox tail, or has even swallowed one. If you see any of these signs, and it’s the time of year when seeds are growing and grass is dry (spring and summer), your dog may be suffering from an inhaled or embedded fox tail and you should bring them to the vet.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Fox Tails
It's nearly impossible to rid fox tails from your dog’s environment, especially during the summer, but you can still prevent a serious problem.
You can avoid places where fox tails 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
How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Infected Fox Tail Injury
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Swelling, bleeding
Rancid smell coming from a wound
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Fox Tail in Their Ear
This is the most common entry point of fox tails in dogs, and below are some of the signs you may see.
Excessive head shaking
Pawing at their ear(s)
Whimpering and pulling away when you try to pet or touch their head
Head tilt
Redness and/or discharge coming from the ear
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Fox Tail in Their Paw
This is the second most common entry point.
Limping or excessive licking of paws
Swelling of the paw or a soft, swollen lump between the toes (the lump may rupture, oozing pus).
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Fox Tail in Their Nose or Has Inhaled One
Sneezing (see the video at the end of this article that shows how a fox tail in a dog's nose caused sneezing)
Coughing
Gagging
Difficulty breathing
Sudden onset bad breath
Discharge from nose (may or may not be bloody)
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Fox Tail in Their Eye
Swollen, red, and/or irritated eye(s)
Squinting
Pawing at eye, or dragging eye along the carpet or furniture
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Fox Tail in Their Genitalia
Excessive licking of genitals
Blood in urine
How to Remove Fox Tails From Dogs
You should thoroughly examine and groom your dog frequently, especially after they’ve been outside and potentially come into contact with fox tails and grass seeds.
For a thorough fox tail screening, simply run a fine-toothed comb through your dog’s fur. Of course, this will vary in effectiveness based on your dog’s coat and their tolerance for being brushed.
Alternatively, you can give your dog a good look over and remove fox tails from their coat with a brush, tweezers, or just your fingers before they have a chance to burrow and cause (potentially severe) discomfort and problems.
If you can’t easily remove the fox tail, or if your dog or cat is exhibiting any of the signs that could be related to the presence of an embedded or inhaled fox tail, see your veterinarian right away. Embedded fox tails can be extremely painful and can cause some very (very) significant damage, too! Your vet will be able to properly manage your dog’s discomfort and deal with the fox tail before the problem gets even worse.
Prevention Aids
Face Protection: Out Fox Field Guard, great for protecting the eyes, ears, noses, 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.
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!
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