There is a foxtail problem on Fiesta Island. But it involves more than just the weeds themselves.

Eradicating foxtails on the island is a perennial problem. The plants are notorious for hitching rides on pets, especially dogs, and burrowing into their skin. This can lead to pain, infection, and sometimes more serious problems if they enter a canine’s internal organs.

Fiesta Island Dog Owners, who heavily use the island, have been contending with the City for years over the proper timing of mowing there to eradicate foxtails.

“If you’re a Fiesta Island regular, you know that the week of April 8 the City mowed most of our dog park to reduce foxtails,” said FIDO president Carolyn Chase. “However, as FIDO has pointed out to City staff for years, mowing foxtails at this late date simply spreads the seeds for next year. Mowing should be done earlier, while foxtail seeds are still green and thus aren’t viable, to be effective. We have confirmed this fact in multiple meetings with native plant experts, not to mention common sense.”

Added Chase: “They (City) appear to have no interest in having a schedule that matches the weed needs of nature. So we’re pursuing permits for FIDO to be able to hire mowers at the time that nature dictates, and not some well-meaning regulatory document with just a date that doesn’t change, unlike the weather and the climate. It’s the only approach that could begin to reduce the foxtails and establish a landscape more consistent with both a dog park and the (City) master plan.”

The Parks and Recreation Citywide Division, which manages foxtail mowing on Fiesta, addressed FIDO’s concerns. “The mowing crew completed its annual mowing in the dog area several weeks ago,” noted Benny Cartwright, supervising City spokesperson. “We do the annual mowing each year in early spring, either March or April before Lest Turn breeding season. Within that springtime window, the mowing occurs based on weather conditions, staffing and budget resources, and various other operational factors.”

“Sometimes this work coincides with the preferences of FIDO and other dog advocates,” added the City. “And other times, it’s later than they would prefer. To mitigate this discrepancy, the Parks and Recreation Department is working with FIDO to develop a permit agreement to allow FIDO to bring in a contractor for mowing maintenance (at FIDO’s expense) that will meet their maintenance and seasonal timeline expectations. When the agreement is complete, FIDO will be able to do an additional mowing in late winter, likely in February, to address their concerns.”

FOXTAILS

Foxtail plants, shaped like the tail of a fox, are a weed-type grass that can cause serious problems for dogs. Their tip has seeds arranged in spikey clusters with backward-facing barbs allowing for one-way burrowing, which is great for the foxtail but bad for dogs. If foxtails attach to your pet’s coat and burrow into the skin, this can lead to pain, infection, and sometimes more serious issues. Foxtails can also be inhaled, lodged in the ears, swallowed, and embedded in the paws. Foxtails can burrow through the skin, finding their way into the spine or chest and belly cavities. Once inside, the foxtail continues to burrow, bringing bacteria and dirt along with it. This can become serious infecting internal organs. The foxtail will continue to cause problems until it is removed.

Here are ways to avoid foxtails and keep your dog safe: Consider a trim for long-hair dogs in the summer to reduce the likelihood of foxtail attachment; dogs may be outfitted with a commercially available vest that covers and protects the chest and abdomen; avoid foxtail-prone areas; use a short leash when walking your dog; remove all yard foxtails; and check for foxtails frequently and after periods of outdoor play by dogs.