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DOG OWNERS ARE BEING WARNED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A DANGEROUS PLANT THAT CAN THREATEN PETS DURING WALKS - AND THERE'S ONE SIGN TO WATCH OUT FOR THAT MEANS YOUR DOG COULD BE IN DANGER
ZAHNA EKLUND Social News Reporter 08:00, 02 Feb 2025 Dog owners are being alerted to a dangerous plant that could pose a threat to their pets during walks. Most dog owners are likely aware
of the various foods that can harm their canine friends, including chocolate, grapes, onions, avocado, macadamia nuts. Certain pesticides can also put your pet in harm's way. There are
hazards to be aware of during their walks, too. While letting your dog explore freely is a great way to get them to exercise, it can turn into a nightmare if they come across a toxic plant.
Recognising the signs your pet has come into contact with these harmful plants is key to ensuring your dog's health, as early detection and action can prevent a costly and stressful vet
visit. One such dangerous plant is the meadow foxtail, also known as flea darts, darts, or grass seeds. The Woodland Trust advises that this plant is most easily identified between April
and June, but it grows year-round, posing a potential risk even in winter. It is commonly found in low lying areas, particularly in river meadows and boggy areas. They can grow up to a metre
in height and the most hazardous part of the foxtail for your dog is its long, tube-shaped, spiky head, which looks a little like a fox's tail. Article continues below These spikes are
incredibly sharp and can pierce a dog's skin and become embedded. They can also accidentally get trapped in their nostril after sniffing, causing intense irritation. This can cause
significant distress and pain for your furry friend, and while they're tricky to spot, there's a tell-tale sign to watch for that your pet has happened across this plant. A TikTok
user who shares updates about their life with their two corgis named Brady and Graffiti has recently posted a video, highlighting the danger of foxtails to dogs. In the clip, one of the
corgis is seen sneezing repeatedly during a walk, which could indicate that a foxtail has become lodged in its nose. The text overlay on the clip cautioned: "This is a sign your dog may
have a foxtail stuck in his snooter. Foxtails are dangerous because they have sharp barbs that can get embedded into tissue and can migrate to vital organs." The account also listed
other symptoms such as nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, or swelling, and behaviours like head shaking or pawing at the face, which are signs the dog is trying to dislodge the irritant. They
urged owners to get veterinary help if they suspect their dog is affected by a foxtail. The caption shared a personal experience: "Yesterday we had a scary moment when Brady started
sneezing uncontrollably during our walk. Though it resolved itself, I later learned this could be a warning sign of foxtails stuck in dogs' noses - a dangerous situation that can cause
major issues if not handled properly". The TikToker's post was met with gratitude from viewers who had experienced similar situations. Article continues below One user commented:
"Thank you for bringing awareness to this! My mum's dog had one go into his lower leg, and we had never noticed until a few days later when he got his hair cut. His groomer pointed
it out, and when we took him to the vet they said that it was very close to a vein and had to be put into emergency surgery". Another shared their own experience, saying: "My dog
got some stuck in her ears and she had to have an operation but luckily she's okay now. I hope your dog is okay, too". Prompt veterinary care is advised if any of these symptoms
are observed.