Foxtail season is already here

My nightmares consist of foxtails. Every year, between about May and November, the invasive foxtail plant drops dry seeds that are easily inhaled by vizslas. This year, due to the drought conditions here, they are drying out much earlier than usual. Because of their arrow-like shape and microscopic barbs, they are a one-way seed. The first sign that a foxtail has been inhaled is repeated, violent sneezing. Sometimes there is blood. But rarely are they sneezed out. More often, they lodge in the sinus cavity and cause an infection if not removed immediately or they are inhaled into the lungs. Several of my friends' dogs have inhaled foxtails (or other similar grass seed) into their lungs and ended up undergoing major surgery and losing part of the lung to remove the seed and damage caused by the seed. Other times the seeds can get into the ears and cause other major problems there. Even if it is just lodged in the sinus cavity, it is an expensive vet visit to get them removed. So, to avoid that inevitable scenario, I use the OutFox Field Guard on my dogs (size medium). Before I found this amazing product, every single one of my dogs has had to endure an inhaled foxtail. They might look funny, but it saves us all pain, time and money in the long run. With the goofy mask on they are still able to drink, see, and even fetch sticks and balls (although that wears out the seams on the mask sooner than usual wear). I highly recommend this product to anyone running their dogs in areas that have foxtails.

Sophie in her OutFox Field Guard