Foxtails, a common weed, may not seem like it's a major threat to anything. After all, it's just a plant! Unfortunately, though, this particular weed can be devastating for animals, including your dog or cat. Here's what you need to know about the threats this weed can pose to your pet.

Paw

One of the most common - and thankfully, least dangerous - problems that a foxtail can present is getting stuck in a pet's paw. This is rather common, as pets often tromp through areas that contain foxtails and can literally step on one. When this happens, the arrowhead-like shape of the weed can allow it to penetrate deeply into the paw quickly, especially if your pet is running around when they encounter it.

In most cases, foxtails can simply be removed at this stage. However, you should still take caution, as a deep wound in the paw can easily open up your pet to the risk of infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, oozing, or bleeding from the area, seek immediate medical help.

Muscle

One of the more dangerous issues that a foxtail can present is when it gets embedded in a pet's limb or side. When this happens, the motion of your pet's body as they walk or run, combined with the shape of the foxtail can allow it to penetrate more deeply than if simply stepped on. It will end up driving itself inwards with each step your pet takes, making it harder to remove it and far more likely to introduce infection. If that weren't enough, if it goes deep into your pet's body, it can damage muscle tissue, potentially requiring surgery to remove the foxtail and to repair or remove any damaged muscle tissue.

Inhalation

Lastly, one of the most dangerous potential scenarios your pet could face with foxtails is inhaling one. This is more common with dogs than cats, as a cat's nostrils are fairly small, but there are tiny foxtails that can get into either pet's body.

The problem here is that once the foxtail is inhaled, it can become wedged in the walls of the windpipe or actually make it all the way to the lungs. Foreign bodies are never supposed to be in the airway or lungs, so it's likely to cause a lot of coughing and sneezing early on. However, it can also cause a severe lung infection or even sepsis. If you suspect that your pet is having breathing difficulties and has been anywhere near foxtails lately, get to a vet right away.

For more information, contact a company like Parkview Animal Hospital today.