Q&A for How to Remove a "Foxtail" from a Dog's Nose

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Question

How can I calm my dog when he's in pain?

Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Canine Behavior Consultant
Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.

Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC

Canine Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

It's crucial to remain calm and composed because your dog can sense your emotions. Keep your dog as comfortable as possible while identifying the source of pain; using blankets or a soft dog bed can help. Some dogs may benefit from distraction, so consider offering small amounts of peanut butter on a spoon to keep them calm and occupied while you attend to their needs.

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Question

Are foxtails dangerous for dogs?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Foxtails aren't dangerous as such but can be a source of pain or infection. For example, a foxtail trapped behind an eyelid (it happens!) can cause an eye ulcer, while a foxtail in an ear canal can rupture the ear drum.

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Question

How do I remove an embedded foxtail?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If just the tip of the foxtail has penetrated the skin, use tweezers to gently pull it out. If the foxtail is fully embedded, try bathing the area with warm salt water to draw it out. If this fails, then see a vet.

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Question

How do you know if your dog has a foxtail?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Typically, foxtails embed in the skin between the toes or track into the ear canal. The former presents as an angry red blister between the toes, while the latter causes intense ear irritation.

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Question

Can a foxtail kill a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Foxtails mainly cause pain and a localized infection, rather than being fatal. The biggest risk to life would be if a dog inhaled a foxtail which then got stuck in their airway, but this is extremely rare and unlikely to happen.

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