It’s that time of year; foxtail season. Removing foxtails from the coats and bodies of our clients is a daily occurrence for groomers.

What are foxtails? Foxtails are the spiked, bristly seed of various grasses common to many areas of the United States. They are designed to dig quickly into the earth in order to propagate but earth isn’t the only thing they can dig into.

Many people are unaware of the serious threat these common, harmless looking weeds pose to dogs. Once picked up by a dog’s coat, they can make their way into the skin, cause abscesses and sometimes require surgical removal. In extreme cases, they have been known to make their way through the ear canal into the brain and even into the heart. Medical treatment for foxtails can be costly and the pain they can cause your pet significant.

What can you do to prevent or minimize foxtail injury to your pet? Avoiding weedy areas is your first line of defense. Regular brushing and careful inspection of feet, legs and armpits will prevent most problems. Regular trips to the groomer is also an effective way to find otherwise hidden skin and coat problems.