How Dogs Get Foxtails and How to Prevent Serious Complications
Foxtails pose serious health risks to dogs and other pets, especially during late spring and summer months. These are spikelets from certain grass species like wild barley, brome, and millet. Their structure includes barbed awns that easily attach to a pet’s fur and can burrow into the skin or body openings, causing significant medical issues. Understanding how dogs get foxtails, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive steps is crucial for pet owners.
What Is a Foxtail?
Foxtails are seed heads of several tall grasses that resemble a fox’s tail. They include species such as:
- Wild barley
- Brome grass
- Millet
- Canada wild rye
- Spear grass
Each seed is hard and covered in sharp barbs. The barbed design prevents the foxtail from moving backward once attached; instead, it progressively burrows forward into tissues or body cavities.
How Dogs Encounter Foxtails
Dogs often get foxtails by walking through open fields, roadsides, meadows, overgrown yards, or disturbed sites that contain wild grass. These environments are found across North America, particularly in the drier western United States. As the grasses dry out in summer, their awns are more easily dislodged and catch onto dogs’ coats.
- High-Risk Areas: Tall, dry grasses, especially during summer
- Common Entries: Through the nose, ears, eyes, mouth, and between toes
- At-Risk Breeds: Long-haired dogs or those frequently exploring grassy terrain
How Foxtails Enter a Dog’s Body
Foxtails use their barbed awns to latch onto fur and skin. Once attached, they silently and painlessly begin to burrow inward because their structure only allows forward movement, not backward. They can quickly enter skin tissue, nasal passages, ears, eyes, and more severe cases—lungs or other internal organs.
Signs Your Dog Has a Foxtail
Watch for these symptoms after outdoor exploration:
- Persistent licking or chewing at paws
- Redness or swelling between toes
- Head shaking or frequent ear scratching
- Sneezing or pawing at the nose
- Squinting or pawing at eyes, with redness or discharge
- Visible abscesses or wounds
- Coughing, gagging, or labored breathing—possibly indicating inhalation
If you observe any of these signs, it’s critical to get veterinary attention soon, especially if symptoms escalate or affect sensitive areas like ears and eyes.
Why Foxtails Are Dangerous
Foxtails are mechanically invasive, not toxic. However, the barbs can carry bacteria and pathogens deep into tissue, resulting in infections, abscesses, and even life-threatening organ damage. Awns that travel internally can cause:
- Severe infections
- Internal abscesses
- Lung infections (pneumonia)
- Organ damage if not timely treated
Immediate Actions for Foxtail Removal
Early detection is the key. If you spot a foxtail in the dog’s fur before it burrows, carefully remove it with tweezers. But if the awn is embedded or near sensitive organs (eyes, ears, nose), do not attempt home removal. This could break the foxtail and leave barbs inside.
Veterinary treatment often includes:
- Anesthesia and surgical removal
- Antibiotics for infections
- Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) if foxtail location is uncertain
How to Prevent Foxtail Injuries
Pet owners can avoid costly and dangerous medical complications by proactively protecting their dogs:
- Avoid overgrown grassy areas, particularly between late spring and summer
- Trim your yard's grass and remove potential foxtails regularly
- Inspect your dog after every walk or outdoor activity—check between toes, ears, nose, and fur for signs of awns
- Trim long fur around sensitive areas like toes and ears
- Use protective footwear (dog shoes) in high-risk zones
When to See a Veterinarian
If you notice alarming symptoms such as bleeding, persistent discharge, breathing trouble, extreme pain, or swelling, immediately consult a veterinarian. Early detection and proper removal are the best ways to avoid serious consequences of foxtail injuries.
Final Thoughts
Foxtails are common yet dangerous elements of nature that can severely impact your pet’s health. Vigilance, regular grooming, and awareness of high-risk environments help ensure your dog stays healthy and safe. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to address foxtail concerns before they escalate into life-threatening conditions.
