summer hazards … continued from page 15
closed and you are lucky enough to see the yellow foxtail strand , you can grasp it and pull it out . Sometimes the cornea has not been scratched and the eye will not be painful . If the eye is still closed and appears to be hurting , then it should be checked out by your vet . Dogs will often snort up a foxtail , then repeatedly sneeze violently , with some occasional blood . Sometimes with the violent sneezing , the foxtail will be blown out or swallowed and the symptoms will disappear . If not , anesthetic and a scope are needed to look up the nose and pull out the foxtail to relieve the symptoms . Foxtails in the ears will also cause sudden violent head shaking and scratching . If you suspect a foxtail after a visit to the country , and it is “ after regular veterinary hours ,” you can use a bit of mineral oil or ear medication to soften the prickly foxtail , so you can wait until the veterinary hospital is open .
Note : Do Not Use Flea & Tick Products on Cats
Dr . Greg Martinez , DVM , has served the veterinary needs of Gilroy and the Santa Clara Valley for 30 years . He is a partner with Dennis Harrigan in the Gilroy Veterinary Hospital located at 9565 Monterey Highway , is active in the community , and helps teach veterinary science at Gilroy High School . Visit dogdishdiet . com for more practical tips and to order his book Dog Dish Diet .
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