Home Remedies for Dogs With Foxtails

A foxtail is a very common type of grass topped with a slender, spiky bristle. When foxtail bristles get caught in a dog's coat, the barbed ends can pierce her skin, working their way farther and farther in as the dog moves. Foxtails are often found between a dog's toes, but the dog whose luck is not equal to her curiosity may have the painful misfortune of getting a foxtail up her nose. Foxtails are the most common type of imbedded foreign body to be taken out of dogs in this country. Obviously, dogs who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors -- especially sporting or working dogs -- are the most likely to encounter a foxtail. Of course, embedded foxtails in dogs hurt the animal, but of even more concern is the fact that bacteria are often carried into the wound with the spike -- and into the body as far as the spikes burrow. The resulting infections can be very serious, particularly those that occur in the chest. What to Do About It The best strategy for foxtails is to avoid them completely. If you can't avoid them, be sure to check your dog thoroughly and keep her coat short during foxtail season. After outdoor adventures, carefully inspect your dog's entire coat, including between the toes. If you find even the smallest sliver, remove it as soon as possible to prevent it from moving deeper into your dog's coat. When to Call the Vet If your dog has a foxtail and you can't remove it easily, take your pooch to the vet. Don't count on it to come out on its own. The longer you wait, the deeper it can go, so don't hesitate. The foxtail may have to be removed surgically, and the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to curb any infection. .