Foxtails, Cactus, and Desert Plants

Foxtails: where they go

• Between the toes, which is the most common spot. Look for a swelling with a small hole, and licking that will not stop.
• Ears. Sudden violent head shaking or pawing at one ear after a walk.
• Nose. Sudden explosive sneezing, sometimes with a bloody discharge.
• Eyes. Squinting, discharge, a paw held to the face.
• Under the coat, where they burrow into skin and abscess.

Why they cannot wait

A grass awn does not dissolve and does not work its way back out. It migrates, and it carries bacteria with it. Awns have been found in lungs, spinal tissue, and abdominal organs after starting in a paw or a nostril. Caught in the first day or two it is usually a straightforward removal. Left for weeks it becomes surgery.

After every walk in dry grass

• Run your hands over the whole dog, including the belly and armpits.
• Check between every toe.
• Look inside the ear flaps.
• Long-coated dogs benefit from a trimmed foot in foxtail season.

Cholla and cactus spines

Do not pull cholla segments with your bare hands, you will end up attached to it too. Use a comb, a pair of sticks, or pliers to lever the segment off, then pull individual spines straight out with tweezers or hemostats. Spines in the mouth, throat, or eye are a veterinary visit, not a driveway job, and a dog in real pain may bite the person helping.

Other desert plants

Oleander is common in landscaping here and is seriously toxic to dogs and cats, including the dried leaves. Sago palm is also highly toxic. If you think your pet has eaten either, call us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.