We had a big scare last week, when little Pluto returned with a swollen face and a constant sneeze. Sure that he had been stung by a bee, we immediately took him to the VET, to discover the invasion of a foxtail. I had never heard of such thing and was really frightened, thinking it might be some dangerous bug. But a foxtail is actually a plant, which looks a bit like a grain and can be really dangerous for our kids. The rather tough and barbed seed heads of the foxtail can work their way into any part of your dog (or cat), from the mouth, to the ears and even eyes. While some first aid might be possible in a foxtail 'attack', we suggest to immediately visit your veterinarian.
Foxtails in the Eyes
RISKS: Irritation, corneal scratches, ulcers, conjunctivitis, blindness. SYMPTOMS: Squinting, discharge, an eye glued shut. FIRST AID: Try to keep the dog from scratching at the eye and take her/him immediately to your vet. TREATMENT: If your kid is calm, the vet will use a numbing agent on the eye and remove the foxtail. But if your pet is really anxious, sedation is needed.Foxtails in the Ears
RISK: Chronic irritation, infections, eardrum damage, deafness. SYMPTOMS: Head tilting or head shaking. FIRST AID: Squirting mineral oil into the ear to soften the the plant is a common recommendation. But most vets caution against it, so best to get to a vet as quickly as possible. TREATMENT: Your vet will check the ear with an otoscope and then extract the foxtail. Sedation may be necessary.Foxtails in the Nose (like little Pluto)
RISK: Chronic irritation, infections, tissue damage; may migrate into brain. SYMPTOMS: Violent, explosive, serial sneezing. There may be a slight bloody dischage. FIRST AID: None. Get to a vet as soon as possible!!! TREATMENT: Your dog must be sedated, and a topical anaesthetic may be needed to numb the inside of the dog’s nose. Using a rhinoscope, your veterinarian will visually inspect the area and extract the plant using forceps.Foxtails in the Mouth or Throat
RISKS: Damage to periodontal pockets, the tongue, or throat; infection; can be inhaled into lung. SYMPTOMS: Hacking, gagging, difficulty swallowing when eating or drinking. FIRST AID: If the foxtail is visible, you may pull it out by hand or with tweezers. Feeding some bread may force the seed to move down into the tummy. However, best to go to the vet. TREATMENT: Your vet will anaesthetise your dog and remove any foxtails.Foxtails in Your Dog’s Paws
RISKS: Abscesses, infections. SYMPTOMS: Continual licking of the foot or pad, bumpy swelling between the toes, or a small hole. FIRST AID: If you can see the foxtail, you can try to remove it by hand or with tweezers. If the foxtails are inside the skin, soak the paw in plain, warm water for 15 minutes, two to three times a day. A clay poultice wrapped with cling-film can help draw the plant out, but make sure your pup does not lick away the mud pack. We recommend a visit to the vet, just to be sure. TREATMENT: The vet will locate and remove the foxtail.
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