Indoor cats are pretty safe from foxtails. The spikes can enter about any part of your cat and cause extreme discomfort. The barb on the plant hooks under the cats skin and once in the skin can only move forward, not back out. The spikes are most commonly found in your cats toes, ears, and under their eyelids.

Are foxtails dangerous to cats?

Foxtail seeds are a common summer danger to dogs, even cats, in the Western United States because the seeds will lodge themselves in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and skin.

What if my cat eats a foxtail?

If you suspect your dog or cat has encountered a foxtail that has entered his body and shows any of these signs, be sure to take him to a vet immediately if you can't remove the foxtail yourself. It's important to act quickly. Foxtails can cause serious infections that may become fatal.

Will a foxtail come out on its own?

Use tweezers to remove any foxtails you can easily get to. But if a foxtail is deeply embedded, or if the area around it is red or swollen, call your veterinarian right away. Remember, foxtails won't come out on their own, and they can burrow into the brain, spine, eardrums, lungs -- actually, anywhere.

What are the symptoms of foxtails?

Symptoms of Foxtails Injury in Dogs

• Tilting of the head, scratching constantly at the ear (you may not see the seed, it may be too deep for visual identification)
• Limping and swelling around the feet may be caused by foxtail seeds (this area picks up the seeds easily from the ground and is easy to burrow into)

Foxtail in a Dogs Ear: Removing a Plant Seed

36 related questions found

What does a grass awn look like?

Grass awns are sharp, stiff, bristle-like structures which grow from the ear or flower of many types of wild grasses and grains, including barley and rye. Awns come in all different shapes and sizes – some are barbed, some are needle-like.

Can foxtails hurt humans?

The most common access points foxtails utilize to enter the body are through the nose, mouth and ears, but they can also penetrate the skin causing wounds and subcutaneous abscesses. In California, most foxtail cases are seen in the summer months, after the grasses from the winter rains have dried out.

How much does it cost to get a foxtail removed?

She said foxtail removal can cost between $250 and $450, roughly. “It's really hard to quote because it depends whether you have to anesthetize them,” she said. “Most of the time, we end up having to sedate them to remove it.” For older pets, blood work may be required prior to sedation, adding to the cost.

What if a dog eats a foxtail?

Foxtails embedded in the dog's or cat's mouth and throat will cause a retching cough, gagging, salivation and possibly compulsive grass eating. If your pet stretches his neck to swallow, get immediate medical advice.

What states do foxtails grow?

Put simply, foxtails are found just about everywhere throughout North America. In fact, foxtails are reported to thrive in all but 7 states in the U.S.: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

What is foxtail in cat eye?

Foxtails located in the eye cause severe swelling, pain, and discharge in the affected eye. The eye usually will be held tightly closed. If located in the nose, foxtails usually cause violent sneezing (cats, dogs). Mucus or blood may drain from one nostril.

Is green foxtail poisonous?

Foxtail grass poisoning is caused by the consumption of Setaria grass and causes blistering and calcium deficiency sometimes referred to as big head syndrome. ... All parts of the plant are toxic and contain large amounts of calcium oxalates, which can cause acute or chronic poisoning.

How do I protect my dog from foxtails?

Foxtail Prevention

1. Prevent exposure and avoid foxtail plant-infested areas.
2. If you must walk in areas where there are foxtails, keep your dog on-leash.
3. If you have a long-haired dog, trim their hair between the toes, ears, and belly.
4. Check your dog's coat after every walk for foxtails.

Why does a dog eat grass?

Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber. A lack of roughage affects the dog's ability to digest food and pass stool, so grass may actually help their bodily functions run more smoothly.

Can a dog sneeze out a foxtail?

The Foxtail

Grass seeds, foxtails or just about anything your dog can fit up that nostril can become lodged in the tender inner lining of the nose, causing irritation and subsequent sneezing fits.

Are foxtails poisonous?

Foxtail grass isn't dangerous because of toxicity: the problem here is with the seed awns. The awns are very sharp, and have barbs that allow them to burrow into and under pets' skin. Because of the way the barbs are curved, they do not work their way out, but keep moving deeper and deeper into the body.

When does foxtail season end?

The most troublesome grass is the actual "foxtail" or "wild barley" (Hordeum murinum). The individual reproductive structures are small and easy to overlook. This grass is common in weedy areas around roads, paths, and other disturbances. It is an annual, and is soft and green from January through March or April.

Is sneezing a symptom of kennel cough?

If your dog is affected with kennel cough, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound – this is the most obvious symptom. runny nose. sneezing.

Why does my dog cough and gag?

Kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag. There are other infectious diseases that can also cause gagging, and a more severe disease—pneumonia—can sometimes cause gagging in dogs, as well.

What is a foxtail in a dogs ear?

Foxtails are the barbed seed heads of certain grasses which can become lodged into a pet's skin or even dig into their orifices. These seeds will not breakdown inside the body and will produce problems until they are removed. Their barbed shape allows them to dig further and further into tissue.

How do I know if my dog has a foxtail in his nose?

If you see bleeding or discharge from the nose, or if your dog is sneezing frequently and intensely, a foxtail could be lodged in a nasal passage. If your pet is gagging, retching, coughing, eating grass or stretching his neck and swallowing repeatedly he or she may have has swallowed a foxtail.

What is foxtail season?

Late spring and early summer are the most common times of year to see foxtails. The unique structure of the foxtail allows them to attach to our pet's fur and utilize them as a seed dispersal vehicle. If the foxtail penetrates the skin or orpheus of an animal it can result in infection, inflammation, and pain.

What are the symptoms of grass awn infection?

Symptoms that might indicate a grass awn foreign body:

• Persistent licking at an area of the body, especially if there is a visible lesion.
• Limping or painful paws.
• Evidence of swelling or a draining wound.
• Violent sneezing.
• Shaking the head, rubbing the ears persistently.

Can a dog sneeze out a grass seed?

Ears – grass seeds are always falling down ears! ... Nose – a grass seed up the nose is one of the most common reasons for a one-sided runny nose! Affected dogs sneeze and paw at their nose to try and dislodge it – but of course, the more they try, the deeper it goes.