Foxtails – a Health Risk for our Dogs

Foxtails, the seed heads of wild oats, are omnipresent in the summer months. They can get into our dogs’ ears, but also penetrate the skin and, in particular, lead to persistent problems on the paws. Unfortunately, they can also migrate under the skin and are then extremely difficult to find, more or less far from the point of entry.

The first symptoms are frequent shaking of the ears or Licking of a paw.
Later, the typical signs of an inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal appear, such as:

• Scratching the ear
• Head tilted to one side
• Sensitivity to the ear
• Increased secretion in the ear canal and unpleasant odor
• Balance disorders if the eardrum is injured

On the paws, characteristic, pus-filled bumps develop between the toes, which can break open again and again as long as the foxtail is not removed.
As a preventive measure, the coat, especially in the area of the ears and paws, should be checked after each walk during this time of year. A significant shortening of the coat in these regions also prevents the foxtails from sticking.

If you suspect that there may be a foxtail in the ear or in the area of the paws, you should consult a veterinarian in a timely manner.

When trying to remove the foxtail from the ear yourself, there is a risk that it will be pushed further in.