Foxtails in Pacifica

Grassawns, also known as foxtails have been a major problem this summer.

Foxtails can puncture through the skin and migrate between the paw pads, into the nasal sinus, ears or are  ingested orally. This plant material carries bacteria and will seed bacteria into these locations causing both irritation and infection.

Check daily after hiking in the ears and in between the feet for grass awns. If your dog is ever limping, licking excessively at one area, or sneezing a large amount seek veterinary attention.

Usually, your dog will be sedated for a 'foxtail exploratory'. However sometimes a video otoscopy (viewing the ear) or rhinoscopy (viewing the nose) must occur if the material has migrated a long distance. Rarely grass awns will be ingested and can form a abscess internally that surgically will be removed from the lungs or abdomen.

Keep your pups safe this summer by monitoring daily for foxtails

-Dr Roth