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My puppy has a foxtail in his paw. What's the best home remedy for it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 30 lbs

I believe my puppy has a foxtail embedded in his paw. I've heard that soaking their paw in warm water for 15 minutes 3 times a day will expel the foxtail. Is this true and if not is there a home remedy I can use to remove the foxtail?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2019

It is possible that he has a foxtail in that paw. You need to soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salts. The warm water alone will not draw out the foxtail. Soak for 5 minutes 2-3 times per day. I also suggest you get him a "cone" collar to wear so he does not lick it. Licking it will make it worse. If no improvement after about 5-7 days then he needs to see a vet. The recipe is 1/2 cup of Epsom Salts to 1 gallon of water.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2019

    Yes, it does appear to possibly be a foxtail. All you can really do with these is soak the foot in Epsom Salt water for 5 minutes 3-4 times per day in hopes of drawing the foxtail out. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on it! If after 5-7 days of soaking, it is not improved then he will need to see a vet. 1/2 cup Epsom Salt to 1 gallon of warm water

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