Cooler mornings, changing leaves and quieter parks make fall seem like the perfect time to hit the trails with our canine companions. But as I discovered, a small, harmless-looking plant can turn a happy afternoon outdoors into a terrifying veterinary emergency.

We had adopted our dog, Lily, only a few weeks before we set out to explore a semi-wooded area near our home. She was sniffing the ground when she suddenly began sneezing uncontrollably. Suspecting she had inhaled something, I rushed her to our veterinarian. Within the hour, Lily was sedated while the doctor removed a foxtail from her nose. Time was of the essence: Once inhaled, a foxtail can travel to the brain and be fatal.

Foxtails are the barbed seed heads of several grass species. Once they enter an animal’s body, their shape allows them to keep moving forward but not back out. They can become embedded in dogs’ noses, eyes, ears, mouths, paws or skin, causing infection, and can even reach internal tissues and organs.

A few weeks later, we noticed that Lily was shaking her head frequently. Thinking she might have an ear infection, I headed back to the vet. Astonishingly, nine foxtails were lodged in her ear canals, some only millimeters from her eardrums. I was heartsick to learn that Lily had been hurting with no obvious signs that something was wrong. The foxtails had likely been there before we adopted her and were becoming a big problem. Until her ordeal, I hadn’t seen how almost imperceptibly foxtails can penetrate a dog’s body. I suspected that many other guardians hadn’t either and resolved to share her story.

Now, we pluck suspicious weeds from our yard, avoid overgrown meadows, stay on open paths and give our dogs even more thorough nose-to-tail checks after outside time. Lily’s experience taught me how easily an outdoor hazard can escape even a dedicated guardian’s eye.

Even autumn weather can be deceptive. A day that feels pleasant to us may still cause a dog to overheat, especially during strenuous exercise or in a parked car. Choose shaded routes, carry plenty of water and watch for signs that it’s time to go home: excessive panting or drooling, slowing down or reluctance to continue. Never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.

Terrain matters, too. Rocky, steep or lengthy trails can cut paw pads and cause strains or overuse injuries. Build endurance gradually, and choose gentler outings for puppies; elderly dogs; flat-faced, breathing-impaired breeds; dogs recovering from illness; and those who aren’t used to strenuous exercise. Stop periodically to check sensitive paws for cuts, swelling, burrs, cracks and tenderness.

Flea, tick and heartworm preventatives are worth their weight in gold. After every outing, have a petting session that includes running your hands through your dog’s fur and inspecting their ears, nose, collar area and the spaces between their toes for ticks and, of course, foxtails.

A secure harness and leash are all you need to protect dogs from many other dangers, including wildlife, steep drop-offs, campfires and toxic plants. An insect sting merits a call to the vet, and facial swelling, hives, vomiting, pale gums, licking the area, whining or difficulty breathing require immediate medical care. If you suspect a snake has bitten your dog, carry them if you can, as movement may cause the venom to spread more quickly, and get them to the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately. Never apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out the venom.

Most importantly, consider whether an outdoor excursion is something your dog will genuinely enjoy. Some dogs bound joyfully down every trail, while others would choose a peaceful neighborhood stroll, a shaded picnic or a backyard game of ball. Loving them means respecting that they have preferences, too.

Dogs trust us to protect them. A successful adventure is not measured by the miles we clock or the view from the summit but by a wagging tail and the knowledge that everyone had fun and returned home safely.

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Lisa Lange is a senior vice president at PETA, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.

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