Foxtails are a common concern for pet owners, particularly in warmer climates where various grasses thrive. These plant parts can pose health risks to animals, leading to discomfort and complications. Understanding this threat in regions like Florida helps pet owners take preventative measures. This article explains how to identify, prevent, and address exposure to harmful grass seeds.
Are “Foxtails” a Concern in Florida?
While the specific plant known as “foxtail” is more prevalent in the western United States, it is less common in Florida. However, the danger associated with “foxtails” is real for pets in Florida. Many other native and non-native grass species in the state produce similar seed structures, often called grass awns. These barbed seed heads can readily attach to and penetrate a pet’s body, posing a health risk.
Identifying Harmful Grass Seeds
Harmful grass seeds are characterized by their sharp, barbed structure. These features allow them to easily latch onto fur and burrow into the skin, like a fish hook, as their barbs prevent them from backing out. These seeds are most prevalent during late spring and summer when grasses dry out. Pets are likely to encounter them in areas with tall grasses, such as fields, parks, or unkempt lawns.
Dangers Posed by These Seeds to Pets
Once attached to a pet’s fur, grass seeds can penetrate the skin or enter orifices. Common entry points include paws, ears, nose, eyes, and any skin area. Once embedded, the seeds, which carry bacteria, can migrate into the body, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.
Symptoms depend on the seed’s location. A seed in the paw can cause limping, swelling, and licking; one in the ear may lead to head shaking or scratching. Seeds in the nose can cause sneezing and discharge, while those in the eye may result in redness or corneal ulcers. If untreated, seeds can travel to internal organs like the lungs or spine, leading to complications such as abscesses or severe infections. Grass seeds do not naturally exit the body and are not visible on X-rays, making detection and removal challenging.
Preventing Exposure and Pet Care
Preventing exposure to harmful grass seeds requires vigilance, especially during late spring and summer. Pet owners should avoid walking their pets in areas with tall, dry grasses, such as overgrown fields. Keeping home yards regularly mowed and clearing overgrown vegetation can reduce the risk. For pets with long hair or floppy ears, consistent grooming, including trimming fur around their paws and ears, is helpful, as these areas are susceptible to trapping seeds.
After any outdoor activity, thoroughly check your pet for seeds. Pay close attention to the spaces between their toes, inside their ears, around their eyes, nose, armpits, and groin. If a seed is found superficially in the fur, it can often be gently removed with tweezers, followed by cleaning the area. If a seed has penetrated the skin, entered an orifice, or if there are signs of pain, swelling, or distress, immediate veterinary attention is advised. Attempting to remove deeply embedded seeds at home can push them further into the body or cause additional damage, necessitating professional removal.