Spring Means Foxtails—A Hidden Danger for Pets

Foxtails, or grass awns, are seed-bearing grassy plants that only grow west of the Mississippi River.  In spring, these plants sport a bushy section at the top of the grass stalk, like a fox’s tail.  During summer, the seeds dry out, form a sharp point, can be easily detached from the stalk and will readily stick to your pet’s fur. 

Once on your dog or cat, a foxtail seed can enter your pet’s internal body in a variety of ways. Once inside, the seed acts like an animated fishhook—moving relentlessly forward through the body.  Because the seed is pointed at one end with barbs at the opposite end, it cannot move backward.

So, while the seed may start out on your pet’s fur, it can quickly migrate into skin, ears, nose, mouth, and genitals, causing infection and inflammation.   Foxtail seeds can even end up in the heart or the lungs and cause death. 

Because foxtails or grass awn seeds are very small, detecting them can be difficult.  Some common symptoms that may alert you to seek your veterinarians  immediate help are as follows.

If a seed is in the nasal cavity, the dog may sneeze repeatedly and violently.  Sometimes you will see a bloody discharge, or your pet will even begin to bang its nose on the floor in a desperate attempt to dislodge the seed.  If you see any of these symptoms, immediately seek your veterinarian’s help.

If in the eye, the dog paws at the eye and may squint, or the eye may water.  Sometimes the eye appears glued shut.   However, even if you can see the foxtail seed in the eye area, do not attempt to remove it yourself.  You may not get it all, or the seed could travel further into the eye.  Instead, keep your dog from pawing at the eye and immediately take your pet to a veterinarian.

In the ear, a seed can cause the dog to shake its head violently and repeatedly.  Sometimes the dog will continually paw at the ear and/or tilt the head to one side.

In the mouth, foxtail seeds can cause gagging or difficulty swallowing.  If the seed is caught between the teeth, in the gums, back of throat, or in the tongue, serious infection may result.

If the seed lodges in the paw or under the coat a painful lump will form and infection can result.


Other symptoms can include rubbing the head on the ground and walking in circles, licking or biting at the rectum or other body parts, or yelping for no obvious reason.

Outfoxing Foxtails:  How to Protect Your Pet

First, know what they look like; then stay away from them.

Keep pets—particularly dogs--on leash in foxtail areas, and avoid tall grass in spring/summer.

Check your pet for foxtails after every walk. Pay special attention to the feet (between toes), the chest, and the ears.

If your pet develops sudden problems with an ear or an eye, starts sneezing violently, or if a particular skin area becomes inflamed, seek immediate veterinary care. A foxtail could very well be to blame.

And remember, when it comes to foxtails, the longer the problem is left untreated, the more dangerous it can become.