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Foxtails may look harmless, but these barbed grass seeds can pose a significant risk to dogs. Once attached, they can work their way into the skin, ears, eyes, or nose, causing irritation, infection, and other health concerns. Understanding the dangers of foxtails can help you recognize a problem early and know when to seek veterinary care.
In This Article
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are the seed heads of certain grasses and grain-producing plants. These spiked seed clusters are designed to easily pierce and take root in the soil. Examples include Canadian rye and many varieties of barley and millet.
Foxtails typically grow to 1-3 feet above the ground and cluster in grassy fields, pastures, and alongside roadways. They grow throughout North America but are more prevalent in southwestern states, such as California. These plants are especially dangerous when the seeds become dry and harden from May to December.
“Foxtails have rigid, bristly, arrow-shaped seeds that act as migrating foreign bodies,” explains Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM and, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. “Because of their pointy, triangular structure, they have the ability to constantly push deeper into tissues, leading to pain, swelling, infection, and even trauma to organs in some cases.”
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous to Dogs?
Foxtails are uniquely hazardous because of their shape. Once they penetrate the skin or enter a body opening, their barbed structure helps them move forward but prevents them from backing out naturally.
If your dog inhales a foxtail or one gets embedded in their skin, this can lead to several serious health problems:
- The shoots have an arrow-like shape, and they cannot reverse direction once embedded in the skin.
- Embedded foxtails can cause infections, abscesses, and open sores.
- If inhaled, foxtails can migrate to the lungs or brain, posing the risk of respiratory distress and bacterial infections.
Foxtail inhalation can also lead to grass-awn disease, a growing problem among hunting dogs. Your veterinarian is a great resource whenever you have concerns about your dog’s health, including how to prevent injuries while they’re outdoors.
How to Identify a Foxtail-Related Injury
There are some tell-tale signs that your dog has suffered (or is suffering from) a foxtail-related injury.
“Symptoms depend largely on the point of contact and entry site,” Dr. Greenstein explains. “In the extremities, foxtail trauma may present as excess licking in a particular spot, limping, or focal redness or draining wounds … If a wound simply isn’t healing or waxes and wanes, migrating foreign bodies like foxtails may be the culprit.”
Dr. Greenstein then explains how to recognize signs that a dog has inhaled a foxtail shoot.
“When inhaled, pet parents may notice sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or reverse sneezing. Foxtails can also embed in the eye or ear areas, causing associated signs of irritation or infection,” she says.
Signs of irritation or infection may include tilting of the head, discharge from the eyes, and restlessness.
Hunting dogs, such as English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters, and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to experience foxtail-related injuries than companion dogs who spend most of their time indoors – though any dog can get injured. Long-eared breeds with shaggy coats are also at an elevated risk.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe From Foxtails
In a perfect world, keeping your dog safe from foxtails would be as simple as keeping them away from foxtails. However, this could be difficult depending on where you live – or if you and your pet enjoy an active lifestyle outdoors. The good news is that with some forethought, mindfulness, and preparation, you can work to keep your dog safe and minimize the risk of injury.
Some tips include:
- Keep your lawn free of foxtails and other tall-awned grasses. If you have foxtails in a small part of your yard, spot-treat the area by pulling the stalks from their roots. If you have an entire field of foxtails, tilling the soil and reseeding the area with desirable grass can weed out these risky plants.
- Periodically comb your dog while adventuring. Comb as you go when trekking in heavily weeded areas. Brushing the strands of grass from your dog’s coat can prevent the awns from becoming embedded in their skin.
- Observing your dog for signs of pain or discomfort after long periods outdoors. Inflammation around the toes, pawing at the eyes, and persistent licking of the genitals may indicate an embedded foxtail.
“To avoid natural hazards like foxtails, it’s best to stick to paved walking paths and more manicured areas,” Dr. Greenstein adds. “Keep your dog’s fur groomed short and/or have them wear a long-sleeved onesie when outdoors. When returning from walks, always check your dog’s skin (paws, snout, groin, armpits, etc.) for any foreign material.”
What to Do if You Suspect a Foxtail Injury
Successfully removing a foxtail can be tricky. Here’s what to know before reaching for a pair of tweezers.
“Pet owners should only attempt to remove easily visible foxtails on the surface of the skin,” Dr. Greenstein advises. “Even if they are partially embedded, attempts to remove them may be counterproductive, because they can inadvertently be pushed deeper into tissues.”
Matters change if your dog has inhaled a foxtail. Anything that affects your dog’s ability to breathe is a veterinary emergency and requires an immediate examination.
“If you suspect your pet has been in contact with foxtails, or has a non-healing wound, loop in your family vet right away for further management,” she says.
Key Takeaways
- Foxtails are barbed grass seed heads that can become embedded in a dog’s skin, ears, eyes, nose, and other body areas.
- Because they move forward through tissue but cannot easily back out, they can cause pain, infection, abscesses, and more serious complications.
- Common symptoms include limping, excessive licking, swelling, eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, and non-healing wounds.
- Regular grooming, post-walk inspections, and avoiding overgrown grassy areas can help reduce your dog’s risk.
- Veterinary care is recommended whenever a foxtail is embedded, a wound is not healing, or respiratory symptoms develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a dog remove a foxtail naturally?
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Usually not. The barbed structure is designed to move forward through tissue, making it difficult for a foxtail to work its way back out on its own.
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What time of year are foxtails most dangerous?
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Foxtails are typically most hazardous after the seed heads dry and harden, generally from May through December, although timing can vary by region.
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Do puppies keep gaining weight after they stop growing taller?
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Yes, after skeletal growth ends, puppies continue building muscle and body fat as they mature into adult dogs.
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Are certain dogs more likely to get foxtail injuries?
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Yes. Hunting and sporting dogs that spend significant time in fields and brush may be at greater risk. Dogs with long ears or shaggy coats can also be more susceptible.
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Should I remove a foxtail myself?
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Only if the foxtail is clearly visible and sitting on the surface of the skin. Partially embedded foxtails can be difficult to remove and may be pushed deeper during removal attempts.
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When is a foxtail injury an emergency?
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Any situation involving breathing difficulties or suspected inhalation of a foxtail should be treated as an emergency and evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.