Tassajara Veterinary Clinic Warns of Foxtails and Other Spring Hazards

DANVILLE, Calif., April 02, 2017 -- When spring comes, a burst of plant life erupts across the Bay Area. Tassajara Veterinary Clinic warns that this brings new dangers, such as foxtails, into bloom. They urge pet owners to keep their pets out of fields that contain foxtails in order to protect them from the dangerous seeds they produce. The clinic also notes that plenty of wildlife species breed in the spring, making them more numerous. This makes it important to make sure pet vaccinations are up-to-date. Finally, gardeners may be putting out more insecticides such as snail bait and rodent bait, putting pets at risk of exposure to these toxins.

In the Danville area, foxtails are among the top sources of injuries from natural spring hazards. They produce seeds with hair-like protrusions that work like barbs. These barbs draw the foxtail seed deep within the tissues of pets who encounter them, where they then cause festering sores. If a foxtail seed is swallowed, it can even burrow through the walls of the esophagus and end up within the abdominal cavity.

"Foxtail seeds are among the most common spring hazards for pets. Their barbs often end up in places that cause serious harm to animals. This harm is typically made worse when they lodge into a confined area or one that is subject to physical pressure. These places include between the toes, under the feet, in the nose or ears, and even under the eyelids," explains Dr. Elisa Dowd D.V.M., owner of Tassajara Veterinary Clinic.

To help pets avoid getting foxtails on them, they should be restricted from running in fields where the plants grow. The hazardous season starts after the spring rains and runs all the way to September, so this restriction should be in place all through the spring, summer, and early fall.

Owners should also be on the lookout for signs that a pet has collected one or more seeds. These signs include paw licking, head shaking, and wiping a body part against things. Such actions all indicate attempts to get rid of a bothersome object.

Foxtails aren't the only hazards of spring. Wild animal numbers increase, and pets that encounter them can be exposed to diseases like leptospirosis, distemper, and rabies. It is strongly suggested that owners make sure that pets are up-to-date on the vaccines recommended for their species before spring arrives. If you choose to use pesticides such as snail bait or rat bait, ask us for safer alternatives to use so your pets are less at risk for toxicity.

About the Tassajara Veterinary Clinic

The clinic offers the full suite of veterinary services, ranging from pet wellness exams to surgery. They also offer a plethora of information to help owners take better care of their companion animals. Visit them online at http://tassajaravet.com/ for more information.

Tassajara Veterinary Clinic
3436 Camino Tassajara
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 736-8387