Protect Your Dog from Foxtail Grass: A Hidden Danger

Foxtail—a common annual grass weed—produces barbed seed heads that cling to fur and burrow forward into skin, ears, eyes, nose, paws, genitals, even lungs and spinal cord. Entry through open wounds also occurs.

Warning Signs by Location

• Nose: Violent sneezing, face-hitting, bloody discharge
• Eye: Pawing, watering, glued shut
• Ear: Head shaking, pawing, squinting
• Mouth/Throat: Gagging, swallowing difficulty
• Paw/Coat: Painful lump, circling, head rubbing, yelping

Critical Actions

• Never self-treat. Seek veterinary care immediately.
• Mow often in late spring—prevents seed set
• Avoid foxtail-infested parks/areas
• Brush and inspect coat after grass exposure (long-haired dogs at higher risk)
• Check eyes and ears routinely

Foxtail seeds can be fatal. Prevention and early detection save lives.