05/16/2026
Just a friendly reminder to watch for these little things that become high risk. Thank you Dr Lori and team for posting the reminder.
🌾 Foxtail Warning for Pet Owners 🌾
Foxtails may look harmless, but these grass awns can be extremely dangerous for pets. Their barbed shape allows them to burrow into the body and continue migrating deeper into tissue, causing serious pain, infection, and even life-threatening complications.
Common places foxtails become embedded include:
🐾 Between the toes and paws
👂 Ears
👃 Nose
👁 Eyes
They can also become lodged in the gums or tonsils if your pet chews or eats them.
Signs to watch for:
• Swelling between the paws
• Sudden sneezing or nasal discharge, particularly if there’s blood
• Head shaking or ear sensitivity
• Squinting, redness, or eye discharge
• Swelling, pain, or sudden discomfort
If you suspect there is ANY possibility your pet has a foxtail stuck, please bring them in immediately. Early removal is critical and can prevent much more serious complications.
Please check your pets carefully after walks, hikes, or time spent in grassy areas, especially during foxtail season. 💜