nixon

This is a Public Service Announcement.

If you have a dog that plays outside, now is the time of year to be checking his/ her feet and other parts for foxtails. I spent an hour today pulling the damn things our of a gorgeous Golden Retriever/ Samoyed mix. She was a happy, healthy dog who went hiking with her very loving Dad, who brushes her regularly and 'tries to get them out' . She also had two badly impacted foxtails in her side that will require veterinary care, several embedded in the skin between her toes, and more drawing blood in her neck, armpits, and privates.

For those of you unaware, foxtails are very common weeds. In early spring they are green and soft, but about now the seeds dry and harden. They have hooked, barbed ends for hitching rides on mammals, and they slowly work their way deeper into the skin as the animal moves. It causes a nasty puncture wound and is easily infected. They are easy to remove if caught quickly- if not, the longer you wait the higher your vet bill.

CHECK YOUR DOGS, people. Those things must hurt like the dickens!