3 Summertime Hazards to Avoid: Fleas, Ticks, & Foxtails

Summer is full of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and quality time with our pets. But as the days get warmer, we tend to see three big problems at our clinic in Beaverton, Oregon: fleas, ticks, and foxtails! In this post, we’ll explore how to avoid these seasonal dangers and keep your pet healthy and happy all summer long.

Flea and Tick Prevention: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause serious health issues for pets. These parasites survive by biting their hosts and feeding on their blood. Not only do these bites lead to skin irritation and discomfort. They can also transmit bacteria and other diseases. While both fleas and ticks can be present year round, their populations explode in the summertime, making preventive care a top priority.

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters

Fleas and ticks can cause a range of health issues for pets, including allergic reactions and painful skin infections. They can also transmit serious diseases such as:

• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Bartonellosis
• Tapeworms

In young or small pets, the blood loss from flea infestations can lead to anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Plus, if left untreated, fleas and ticks can quickly multiply and infest your home. This makes them not just a danger to your pet, but a household problem as well.

Best Practices for Flea and Tick Prevention

Luckily, when it comes to flea and tick prevention, you have options! First and foremost, we recommend a year-round preventative that suits your pet’s lifestyle. Options include monthly topicals and oral chewables. You can consult with your vet before choosing a product. On top of prescription preventatives, you can: 

• Perform Regular Tick Checks. After hikes or playing outside, run your hands over your pet to check for ticks. Spend extra time around the ears, under arms, between toes, and under the tail. Found a tick on your dog? Here’s what to do about it!

 

• Keep Your Yard Pest-Free. Ticks and fleas love to hide in tall grasses, overgrown shrubs, and leaf litter. You can control populations by mowing regularly, trimming back shrubs, and removing leaf litter.

 

• Wash Bedding and Vacuum Often. Flea eggs and larvae love soft surfaces like blankets and carpets. Cleaning your pet’s bedding and vacuuming carpets weekly can help stop an infestation before it starts.

 

• Know the Signs of Infestation. Look for scratching, red, irritated skin, black "flea dirt" in the fur, or visible ticks. If you see any signs, contact your vet right away for treatment recommendations.

Foxtail Season: A Hidden Danger

Foxtails are more than just weeds—they're a serious summer hazard for dogs and cats. These barbed seed heads from certain grasses can easily work their way into your pet’s body, causing painful and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Why Foxtails Are Dangerous

Foxtails are barbed seeds designed to burrow. When they attach to a dog’s fur, they can burrow deeper into the skin. If not removed promptly, foxtails can lead to: 

• Ear injuries, infections, or ruptured eardrums
• Eye ulcers or vision loss
• Sinus irritation, sneezing, nasal discharge, and breathing issues
• Painful abscesses between the toes and paw pads
• Skin injuries, abscesses, or even surgical removal

Because they don’t break down in the body, foxtails can migrate internally, causing major complications. If they travel to vital organs, such as the lungs or brain, foxtails can lead to serious complications or even be fatal. 

How to Protect Your Pet from Foxtails

Every summer, we see an explosion of urgent care visits for foxtail removals. We strongly recommend taking some preventative steps to prevent foxtail injuries. 

Avoid Overgrown Grassy Areas. Foxtails can be found just about anywhere: lawns, gardens, roadsides, and even parks. When walking pets, stick to well-maintained trails and parks. Avoid letting your pet roam in dry, weedy fields—especially from late spring through fall. 

Groom Regularly. Make sure to brush your pet after spending time outside. Pay special attention to the paws, armpits, ears, and under the collar. Use a long-toothed comb for pets with long hair to make sure there are no foxtails close to the skin. If you find a foxtail lodged in the skin or deeply embedded, don’t try to remove it yourself—call your vet.

Know the Signs. Because foxtails can lodge anywhere in the body, there are a variety of symptoms to watch for. Watch for persistent sneezing or paw licking, head shaking, ear scratching, and sudden limping or signs of pain. A foxtail could also cause red, swollen "hot spots" or draining wounds. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The key to a safe and fun summer with your pet is proactive prevention. By staying on top of flea and tick treatments and being mindful of foxtail dangers, you’ll reduce your pet’s risk of illness, injury, and unnecessary vet visits.

If you’re unsure which flea and tick preventative is right for your pet or want advice on foxtail-safe grooming and activity tips, get in touch with your veterinarian. Here’s to a happy, healthy season for you and your four-legged friends!

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