What Happens If a Dog Gets a Foxtail?
Foxtails may look like harmless tufts of grass, but to pet owners — especially dog owners — they're a serious threat. These barbed seed structures from various grass species can latch onto dogs and burrow deep into their bodies, triggering infections, pain, and even fatal complications. In this guide, we explore how dangerous foxtails are and what actions to take if your dog encounters one.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are seed heads from grasses such as brome, barley, millet, and several foxtail grass variants like Green, Yellow, and Giant foxtail. Their name comes from the resemblance to a fox’s tail — spiked and bushy. The real danger lies in their barbed awns, which are designed to move forward only, enabling them to migrate into a dog’s skin or internal tissues.
Where Are Foxtails Found?
These grasses grow across North America, thriving especially in dry and disturbed areas like:
- Roadsides and highways
- Open fields and vacant lots
- Fence lines and overgrown backyards
- Meadows and hiking trails
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous to Dogs?
The problem with foxtails lies in their barbed shape, which allows them to easily snag fur and burrow into the skin. Dogs are especially vulnerable in late spring and summer when the plants dry and shed their seeds. Once embedded, the foxtail moves in only one direction — forward — causing physical damage and increasing the risk of infection.
Common entry points include:
- Between the toes
- Inside the ears
- Up the nose
- In the eyes
- Inside the mouth and genitals
Foxtails can bring bacteria into the body, causing severe abscesses, tissue necrosis, or even infection in vital organs if they migrate deeply.
Symptoms of Foxtail Injuries
Recognizing the signs early is crucial. Symptoms vary depending on where the foxtail has entered:
- Paws: Persistent licking or swelling between toes
- Ears: Head shaking, scratching, or whining
- Nose: Sneezing, nasal discharge, or pawing at the face
- Eyes: Redness, squinting, swelling, or discharge
- General: Swelling, abscesses, open wounds, or signs of pain
Emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary care include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or gagging
- Visible pus or severe swelling
- Bleeding from ears, nose, or wounds
- Limping or unresponsiveness
What to Do If a Dog Gets a Foxtail
If the foxtail is still on the surface of the coat and hasn’t punctured the skin, gently remove it with clean tweezers. However, never attempt to remove a foxtail from sensitive areas like the ears, eyes, nose, or if the seed is embedded in the skin. This risks breaking off parts of the awn and causing further damage. Seek professional veterinary help immediately.
Veterinary treatment may include:
- Physical examination and imaging (like X-rays)
- Antibiotics for infections
- Flushing and cleaning of wounds
- Surgical removal — often requiring anesthesia
Long-Term Complications
Foxtails that are not promptly removed can migrate to internal organs such as the lungs or brain, causing severe illness, chronic infections, or even organ failure. Inhaled foxtails may cause pneumonia and require aggressive treatment.
Preventing Foxtail Injuries
Prevention is the best way to protect your dog from the dangers of foxtails. Follow these steps:
- Avoid high-risk areas: Steer clear of tall grasses, especially during dry seasons.
- Yard maintenance: Keep grass trimmed short and remove seed heads.
- Post-walk inspections: Check your dog's paws, ears, nose, and belly after outdoor activity.
- Protective gear: Use dog boots for hikes and keep fur trimmed around toes and ears.
Are Foxtails Poisonous?
Foxtails are not toxic, but their physical structure makes them a mechanical hazard. The barbs can puncture skin and tissues, delivering bacteria and causing damage as they migrate further into the body.
Conclusion
Foxtails may seem innocuous, but they pose a silent and serious risk to pets — particularly dogs who love the outdoors. Learn to identify affected areas quickly and take proactive measures to keep your dog safe. When in doubt, don’t delay in seeking veterinary care. Early detection and removal make all the difference.
