How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Foxtail
Foxtail grasses, while common across North America, pose serious risks to dogs. These plants produce barbed seed heads called awns, which can easily embed in a dog's body, leading to painful and potentially life-threatening conditions. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for preventing complications.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are grasses, including species like brome, barley, and millet, that feature a spiked, bushy appearance resembling a fox’s tail. These seed heads are covered with barbs that move in only one direction, allowing them to migrate forward once embedded in skin or fur, making them hazardous for pets.
Where Foxtails Are Found
- Dry, open fields
- Roadsides
- Vacant lots
- Fence rows
- Disturbed grounds
They grow most abundantly in the western United States but can appear throughout the country.
How Foxtails Affect Dogs
The awns from foxtails can become lodged in:
- Between the toes: leading to swelling, redness, and constant licking
- Ears: causing head shaking, ear scratching, and pain
- Nose: resulting in sneezing, nasal discharge, and pawing
- Eyes: seen as squinting, redness, and pawing at the face
- Mouth or genitals: leading to drooling, difficulty eating, or discomfort
Once embedded, the foxtail can cause infections, abscesses, and carry bacteria that may lead to serious health issues.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Foxtail
- Persistent licking or chewing at a specific area
- Swelling or redness between the toes
- Head shaking, tilting, or ear scratching
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Squinting or visible eye irritation
- Visible wounds or sores
- Coughing, gagging, or labored breathing (if inhaled)
Critical Symptoms Requiring Immediate Vet Attention
If you notice any of the following, seek veterinary assistance promptly:
- Excessive bleeding or oozing wounds
- Extreme lethargy or signs of pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Foxtail in eyes, ears, or nose
Do Not Attempt DIY Removal in Certain Cases
If a foxtail is protruding from the fur and hasn’t entered the skin, carefully use tweezers to remove it. But never attempt to remove foxtails from sensitive areas like the eye, ear, nose, or genitals — or if it has already entered the skin. This can break the awn, making the situation worse. In such cases, veterinary intervention is essential, often involving anesthesia and possibly surgery. Antibiotics may be needed if an infection is present.
Preventing Foxtail-Related Issues
- Avoid areas with high grass or wild seed heads, especially in late spring/summer
- Keep your yard mowed and remove weed growth
- Inspect your dog thoroughly after outdoor activities — between paws, in ears, around genitals, and underbelly
- Trim fur between toes and around ears for easier detection
- Consider dog boots for protection in high-risk regions
Why Foxtails Are Not Just a Minor Nuisance
Though not poisonous, foxtails introduce serious mechanical dangers. The barbed seeds can travel deep into tissues and even reach internal organs. Documented cases include migration into lungs or the central nervous system, leading to complications like pneumonia or organ failure.
When Foxtails Are Most Dangerous
The peak danger season is late spring through summer — when foxtail plants dry and shed their seed heads. Long-haired and active dogs are at increased risk.
Summary
Being proactive can save your pet from significant pain and health problems. Recognizing the early signs, avoiding foxtail-infested areas, and performing daily checks can drastically lower the risk. When in doubt, always consult your vet.
