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The problem with foxtails (grass awns) is that they can penetrate the skin, become embedded in the deeper tissues, and can even migrate to major organs of the body. When this happens, a cat or dog can an adverse reaction including a serious infection that can be a challenge to treat. There are several risk factors that can increase a pet’s predisposition to the problem. Knowing what these are can help protect your pet from problems associated with foxtails. Here are important tips to remember:
- Confine cats indoors where they will be safe from foxtails and other hazards that exist outdoors. During outdoor excursions, dogs should never be allowed to have access to grassy areas because these are where foxtails abound.
- Extra precaution should be observed if you lived in regions where foxtails are very common such as in northern California. Foxtails are less common in regions with dense forests or deserts.
- Pets with long hair coats tend to attract foxtails. Because of their long thick hair, foxtails can easily go unnoticed. This is also true in pets with straw-colored hair.
Bring your pet to your animal hospital Rockville, MD if you notice a sudden change/s in the animal’s health and/or behavior.
