08/07/2026
🌾 Foxtails: Tiny Seed, Big Problem 🐶
This tiny foxtail was removed from a canine patient. While it may look harmless, these grass awns can cause serious pain and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Unlike ordinary grass seeds, foxtails have barbed tips that allow them to move forward only, burrowing deeper into the skin or body. They do not dissolve or work their way back out on their own.
⚠️ Common places foxtails become lodged:
• 🐾 Between the toes
• 👂 Ears
• 👁 Eyes
• 👃 Nose
• 🩹 Under the skin
Signs to watch for:
• Sudden limping or excessive licking of a paw
• Head shaking or ear pain
• Repeated sneezing or nasal discharge (sometimes bloody)
• Squinting, redness, or eye discharge
• Swelling, draining tracts, or painful lumps
If you suspect your dog has encountered a foxtail, don’t wait. The sooner it’s found and removed, the less likely it is to migrate deeper and cause infection or damage.
🐾 After walks, hikes, or time spent in tall grass, check your dog’s paws, ears, eyes, and coat carefully.
Early detection and prompt removal can make all the difference. If you think your pet may have a foxtail, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. We’re always here to help keep your pets safe and comfortable.
Have you checked your pet after today's walk?
Save this post, share it with fellow pet parents, and contact Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic if you notice swelling, limping, excessive licking, or suspect a foxtail injury.
📞+1 (303) 779-1170
🌐https://cherryknollsveterinaryclinic.com/
Disclaimer:
This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect a foxtail has become embedded in your pet's skin, ears, nose, or paws, seek veterinary care promptly rather than attempting to remove it yourself.
