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Gardening InformationFoxtail Grass Dangerous to Dogs
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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If you have dogs, support the meadow grass out of your lawn!
Foxtail is a common annual grass commonly considered a weed.
It grows one to three feet tall, with branching and several
spreading at ground level. Leaf blades are 4 to 15 inches
long. Flower heads are dense spikes with yellow to reddish,
green or chromatic bristles. As meadow grass matures, seeds are
formed at the top of the stalk. The bushy seeds are what
gives the plant the name of "foxtail".
When mature, the seeds detach easily from the plant. This
is natures way of fashioning sure that the plant reproduces.
The seeds easily cling to clothing, fur, and hair. The
seeds always come forward thus penetrating the skin.
The seeds found in the ears, eyes and nose are really serious
and can become life threatening. But no body part is
immune. The seeds have been found in the urethra, vagina,
anal glands, brain, and spinal cord. In one case a
veterinarian found the seed in the respiratory organ
but the innovational
site of entry was the paw. The seeds as well gain entry
through open wounds.
Foxtail seeds are really diminutive so veterinarians commonly go by
symptoms.
If in the nasal cavity, the dog sneezes repeatedly and
violently often striking the nose on the floor. If a bloody
discharge is detected
assume it's a meadow grass seed.
If in the eye, the dog paws at the eye and the eye waters.
If an eye is affixed
shut it is most likely a meadow grass seed.
If the seed is in the ear the dog shakes its head violently
from side to side. Sometimes the dog paws a the eyes or
ear, shaking the head and squints.
In the mouth meadow grass seeds can cause gagging or difficulty
swallowing. If the seed gets caught between the teeth, in
the gums, back of throat, or tongue problems can result.
If the seed lodges in the paw or under the coat a lump wish
form that is painful to the touch. Different symptoms include
rubbing the head on the ground and going round in circles,
licking or biting at the body part
or different body parts, or
yelping or shining for no obvious reason.
Foxtail seeds can cause fatalities once
they reach internal
organs.
In any case, do not attempt to treat the animal yourself.
Get professional help.
Get rid of all meadow grass in your field
or yard. If meadow grass
grows in your yard mow the grass often, especially in late
spring once
the plant grows most rapidly. This prevents the
plant from ever setting seed.
Avoid parks, or different recreational areas wherever
you cognize
foxtail grows.
Always brush and inspect your dogs coat after being in
grassy areas. Dogs with long hair are even as much likely to
attract the seeds than shorthaired breeds.
Examine your dogs eyes and ears.
For much information on how to control foxtail:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/foxtails.htm
Just about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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