Foxtails and Dogs: Dangers, Symptoms, and How to Protect Your Pet

What is a foxtail? Why are these weeds so dangerous to dogs? What do you, as a responsible pet parent, need to know about taking care of your dog around foxtails?

If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place. In the article below, you’ll find a quick but thorough breakdown of information about foxtails and how they relate to your dog. With the help of this guide, you can get a better idea of what to expect from these harmful weeds and when you should see an emergency vet for foxtails on your dog, too. Read on to find out more.

What are Foxtails?

Foxtail grass aka foxtails are a type of weed grass that has a barbed, prickly seed head. Pet owners should be aware of foxtail season, which starts in late spring and continues throughout the summer months. In warm climates, foxtail season can continue through September.

Found primarily on the U.S. West Coast, foxtail grass sprouts up in all but a few states. You'll find them in dryer regions, like California; foxtail grass cannot thrive in states with high humidity and swampy areas, such as Florida and Louisiana.

Foxtail grows in a variety of places that your dog may come across, like:

• fields and meadows

• hiking trails

• lawns and tall grass

• parks

• pastures

Foxtail seed head can be picked up by a dog’s coat as they walk past the grass. Although the term “foxtail” technically refers to the whole grass plant itself, most dog owners use it to refer to the seed head specifically instead.

Are Foxtails Dangerous to Dogs?

When foxtails attach to a dog's coat, they can create open wounds that can become infected very quickly. However, this is not the worst of the threat when it comes to foxtails on your dog. Because of their barbed and prickly design, foxtails can burrow down into a dog’s skin as well.

A foxtail seed can enter through a dog's ears, mouth, nose, paws, eyes, or skin. From there, the seed can migrate to vital organs, resulting in severe complications—including infections, abscesses, and internal damage, and can even be fatal. Additionally, if inhaled, they can find their way into the lungs or even the brain. When this happens, they carry bacteria to these vital organs and create infections that are typically fatal.

One of the most concerning risks when it comes to foxtails on dogs is the risk of burying between the toes. If a foxtail becomes lodged between a dog’s toes, it may go unnoticed for a long time. By the time you realize something is wrong with your pet, it may be far too late to stop the foxtail from burrowing.

Although hunting dogs are the most susceptible to foxtails because they spend more time in wild grasses than pet dogs, any dog who walks in tall grass is at risk. There is no set preventative for foxtails, so you should always check your dog’s body thoroughly for them when she’s been outdoors in tall grass.

VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours with emergency vet care for dogs and all pets.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Foxtails on Dogs?

Listed below are the main symptoms to look out for when a dog comes into contact with foxtail grass:

Dog May Start Limping After Contact with Foxtails

Limping is one of the earliest signs of a foxtail that has become buried between a dog’s toes. If your dog is limping, especially after spending time outside in tall grasses, check between her toes carefully for any sign of foxtails there.

Excessive Licking is a Sign a Dog Has Foxtail Grass Between Toe Beans

Excessive licking may occur on any part of the body that is affected by foxtails. For example, if your dog gets a foxtail buried in her paw between her toes, she may lick at paws so much that it causes the hair to fall off of her foot. This is a clear indicator that something is very wrong.

Swelling or Discomfort from Foxtails

It's always good practice for dog owners to inspect a dog's skin after anytime outdoors. If you find swelling, this is cause for concern. Notice that your dog looks uncomfortable? Don't delay to seek expert emergency vet help. The sooner foxtail contact is diagnosed, the better.

Dog Seems Irritable or Lethargic? It Could Be Due to Foxtails

You may never even think of foxtails as being the reason for your dog's lethargy, but it can happen. Or if your dog is seems out of sorts or angered, take them to VEG ER for Pets immediately. Triage happens immediately in any of our hospitals. We'll prioritize your dog's health and assess the situation right away.

Dogs Can Inhale Foxtail Seeds Causing Sneezing and Bloody Nasal Discharge

Dogs may be prone to inhaling foxtails when they spend time in tall grasses. If this happens, your dog may develop bloody discharge and a frequent, recurring sneeze as she tries to dislodge the foxtail from her nasal passages. This is very dangerous, as it could cause the foxtail to travel to the lungs and cause pneumonia.

A Serious Foxtail Danger to Dogs: Head Tilt

A head tilt may indicate that your dog has gotten a foxtail in her ear, eye, or somewhere else within her head. This is extremely dangerous and can mean that a brain infection is imminent.

Concerned dog owners can come to VEG anytime to get their pet checked for foxtail injury or infection. You'll see a veterinarian immediately and get to stay with your dog throughout the visit.

How do you Remove Foxtails from a Dog?

If you find a foxtail before it begins to burrow, follow these steps:

1. Remove it with sterilized tweezers

2. Gently clean the affected area with antiseptic soap and rinse with tap water.

3. Dry the area well afterward

4. Apply a bit of antibiotic ointment to the area

5. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, like redness or swelling.

If you see a foxtail that has burrowed or believe this has happened to your dog, go to the emergency vet. Your dog will likely require surgery to correct the problem and remove foxtails that have become lodged within the dog’s body. Even if you're not sure, your dog's health may be at great risk, so don’t wait to see our ER vet team about foxtails. There's no waiting at VEG. Walk in and your dog will be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Contact VEG if You See a Foxtail on Your Dog

As you can see, foxtails are extremely dangerous and can even be deadly in some situations. If you notice a foxtail on your dog and you’re unable to remove it yourself, you should go to an emergency vet hospital like VEG right away to have it removed before it causes a severe problem.

If you have any further questions or concerns, contact VEG by calling one of our locations. When you give us a call, you will speak directly to an emergency veterinarian and your pet will always receive the care that they need. Our emergency vets can help you learn how to recognize the signs of foxtails more easily and can provide guidance for what to do if your dog comes into contact with them, too.