Park City is known for its incredible hiking trails, open spaces, and mountain adventures, but hidden among the grasses is a common seasonal hazard many pet owners overlook: foxtails.
Foxtails are barbed grass seed heads that can easily attach to your dog’s fur. Unlike other plant material, they don’t break down naturally and can actually burrow deeper into the skin, ears, nose, eyes, and paws. Left untreated, they can lead to painful infections and even require surgical removal.
Where are foxtails found around Park City?
Foxtails are most common during late spring through early fall, especially along:
- Dry hiking trails
- Open fields
- Roadside grasses
- Undeveloped lots
- Trailheads around Park City
While not every trail contains foxtails, it’s always best to assume they could be present during the warmer months.
Signs your dog may have a foxtail
Keep an eye out for:
- Excessive licking or chewing at the feet
- Persistent sneezing
- Head shaking
- Paw swelling
- Squinting or eye discharge
- Limping
- Sudden swelling or draining wounds
How to check your dog after every hike
Make a habit of performing a quick “trail check.”
Inspect:
- Between every toe
- Paw pads
- Around and inside the ears
- Under the collar
- Armpits
- Groin
- Tail
- Around the eyes
- Long feathering on the legs and chest
Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly, especially if they have long hair.
Prevention tips
- Keep your dog’s coat trimmed during foxtail season.
- Stay on established trails whenever possible.
- Avoid tall dry grasses.
- Perform a full-body inspection after every outdoor adventure.
When to see your veterinarian
If you suspect your pet has a foxtail lodged anywhere on their body, don’t wait. Because foxtails continue migrating forward, early removal is much easier and safer than waiting until an infection develops.
At Park City Animal Clinic, we can examine your pet, locate embedded foxtails, and remove them before they become a much larger problem.