Silverado Veterinary Hospital

Peluche ❤️

They look like harmless, fuzzy wild grasses, but foxtails and grass awns are a major hazard for dogs.
Because of their barbed, arrowhead shape, they only move in one direction: forward. Once they catch on your dog, they can burrow directly into the skin, paws, ears, eyes, and even the mouth—causing severe infections or internal damage if left untreated.

🛑 Warning Signs to Watch For:
Mouth: Sudden, intense gagging, retching, hacking, difficulty swallowing, or pawing at the mouth after chewing on grass.

Paws: Constant licking or a red, swollen bump between the toes.

Ears: Violent head shaking, scratching, or tilting the head.

Nose/Eyes: Uncontrollable sneezing, or a swollen, squinting eye.

How to Protect Your Pup:
1. Avoid Tall Grass: Stay on the trail and out of dry, yellowish brush. Don't let your dog chew on dried wild grasses.
2. The Post-Walk Check: Inspect your dog nose-to-tail after every walk. Check deeply between all toes, inside ears, and around the lips/gumline.
3. Keep Fur Trimmed: Keeping paws and bellies trimmed short gives foxtails fewer places to latch onto.
4. Avoid them if you see them visibly on pathways.

If you find or suspect that your pet may have came in contact with plants and currently observing symptoms - Avoid removing any embedded barb and contact us right away 403-256-7760

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Koda Blue 🐾