Foxtails

Foxtails are absolutely everywhere here in our area in Northern California, and from what I'm told, they're not going away anytime soon.

  Since we take Napali for walks and hikes fairly often, we are constantly on the lookout for the clinging foxtail. His long fur catches them quite easily and if not removed they can slide in between his paws, into his ears, nose and even his mouth! They slide in smooth, but they don't come out very easily and dogs in the area sometimes have to be taken to the vet for some strong pain medicine and to have them removed.

  Napali has had two so far that have actually made their way in between his toes. OUCH! I found them one day after we had been out hiking and they were almost invisible, except for a few lightly colored hairs that were left sticking out in between his darker brown hair.  Had I not been looking for them, I might not have found them and I can guarantee Napali would not have been happy about it.

Oh California, there are some things we love about you, and some things we don't. Foxtails are on the list of things we don't :(