Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 26/05) - A weed commonly found in the NWT could seriously injure dogs, according to the president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

As foxtail grasses mature, a seed which looks similar to, you guessed it, a fox's tail, forms at the end of the stalk. But, once the foxtail dries out, the seed comes free and can stick to clothing or fur.

If ingested by a dog, barbs on the seed will keep it stuck inside the animal.

Detecting foxtails is made difficult by their small size. Depending on how deep into the animal the foxtail has travelled, it can usually be removed surgically.

Vets look for signs such as head shaking, paw licking, swelling on the body, or continuous sneezing. Seeds in the ears, nose and eyes can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

"Even if you can see a foxtail lying under the eyelid, don't try to remove it yourself," said SPCA President Janet Pacey. "Keep your dog from pawing at their eye and get to a vet immediately."

Pacey urges dog owners to avoid foxtail infested areas at the end of summer, and to thoroughly brush and inspect animals if they are running through tall grass.