Take your dog to the vet immediately if they encounter this dangerous plant on walks
Dog owners have been warned to watch out for this dangerous plant while out on walks. A TikTok video recently shed light on a hidden danger for pet pooches while out for their daily exercise.
If you are a dog owner, you probably already know that certain foods and substances can pose a serious threat to your furry friend. Chocolate, grapes, onions, avocado, and macadamia nuts are all toxic to dogs, while some pesticides used in gardens are also hazardous if ingested, Express reports.
But did you know that your dog could encounter danger on their walks, too? While giving your pet the freedom to roam and exercise may seem like a good idea, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if they come into contact with a toxic plant.
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Recognising the warning signs of toxic plants is crucial for your dog’s health. By spotting them early and taking swift action, you can avoid a trip to the vet and keep your pup safe.
Alopecurus pratensis, also known as meadow foxtail, is one of the most hazardous plants for dogs. While it’s easiest to identify between April and June, this plant grows year-round, posing a danger even in winter.
Characterised by a long, spiky head, the plant's sharp spikes are what make it so dangerous. According to Pets 4 Homes, these spikes can pierce your dog’s skin and become embedded, leading to irritation.
Even more concerning, foxtails, also called flea darts, can get lodged in your dog’s nostrils while they sniff around, causing pain and distress. These nasal invasions are harder to spot, but there are signs to watch for.
A TikTok video has recently highlighted a potential danger for dogs during walks. In the clip, a dog owner explained that if your dog starts sneezing on a walk, they might be trying to dislodge a foxtail from their nose.
The video, posted on an account featuring two corgis, Brady and Graffiti, shows one of the dogs sneezing repeatedly during a walk, prompting their owner to stop and check on them. This simple behavior could be a sign of a foxtail causing irritation in your dog’s nostril.
Text on the video read: "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."
In addition to sneezing, dogs with a foxtail lodged in their nose may show signs like nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, or swelling. They might also shake their head or paw at their face in an attempt to dislodge the plant. In the video, the TikTok account advised dog owners to seek immediate veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has a foxtail stuck in their nose.
The caption read: "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."
According to Pets 4 Homes, foxtails can also get trapped in your dog’s paws or ear canals. The site advises dog owners to thoroughly check their pets for any foxtails on their fur, and if any signs of discomfort arise, a trip to the vet is essential.
Commenters on the TikTok video were grateful for the awareness and shared their own terrifying experiences with foxtails. One user recounted: “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: “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.”
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