Foxtails or grass awns are spiky, stiff, bristle-like structures that are grass seeds that are found in some grasses that can burrow into your dog’s skin and can be spread between other animals. If your dog has gone through an area where this is found, it can latch onto your pet’s skin, ears, nose, and eyes. In some situations, it could embed in your pet’s vulva, penis, and even in their throat and tonsils if swallowed.
If a foxtail penetrates your pet’s skin, it has the capability of going into the deeper layers of the skin and migrates into the organs like your pet’s heart and lungs, causing irritation, which could then lead to infection in any part of the body.
Once it lodges into the skin, it will show swelling, pain, and redness, or in more serious cases, clear or bloody fluid could exude from the area. There might also be hair loss as your pet would constantly lick the spot. If the foxtail is found to have embedded on your pet’s foot, you might notice that your dog is limping. On the other hand, if it is lodged in your pet’s nasal passages, they will be sneezing strongly, or there might be mucus or blood draining from the nostril.
If any of these signs are observed, take your pet to the pet clinic Raleigh, NC as soon as possible.
