Beware Fox Tails!!!

[Breanna]

I'm sure most of you already know about the dangers of fox tails. I did too, and I was careful to check Crush's paws after walking the trail and visiting my parent's house (whom have fox tails in the yard). I clipped her whole body (not very short) to keep weeds away. Well, it was not enough. Two nights ago I noticed blood on her foot. I looked and there was a big, black and purple bump. A lot of blood was released and I soaked it in warm salt water. It looked better the next morning. This morning it did not look so good so I took her to the vet. The vet receptionists were pretty certain that fox tails were the culprit right away. Once the vet shaved the fur all off I could see that the bump was bigger than I thought. The vet took Crush back, and five minutes later returned with two big pieces of fox tails. I could not believe that I didn't see them. I had imagined that they would be sticking out and very obvious, like the pictures I've seen online. I think that she had been running around at my parent's house, it wedged into her skin, and broke off. I shaved her feet really short now so that all the nooks and crannies are visible. I wanted to share this and the pictures for anyone who lives around or vacations where there are fox tails. 

[Breanna]

I never knew I could hate a plant so much! My mom is thinking she is going to rototill the whole yard to really eradicate them. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

wow, that is a big job.  The foxtails have little seeds in the wheat like ends and they come back every season whether you want them or not!  Also, the wind and birds make the seeds travel from one yard or area to another.  Only by keeping our yard completely landscaped and covered with decorative bark, rock or something in the open spaces are we able to not have foxtails!  Hate, hate, hate!!!

[Breanna]

I think she is going to start laying down pavers and drought-resistant plants gradually...at least start with the small patches in the backyard that don't have green grass. We DO NOT want to deal with these nasty things in our dogs.