08/21/2025
Foxtail safety tips!
We are seeing an influx of phone calls with concerns about foxtails, here is some fantastic information on foxtail safety.
If you are concerned that you pet has ingested or has a foxtail in their feet please do not hesitate to reach out and one of our staff will be happy to speak to you.
😱 Why Foxtail Grass is the Scariest Thing about Summer for Dogs. While it can be a joy to watch your dog romp through the great outdoors, pet parents should take note of a summertime danger: Foxtail Grass
Foxtails are annoying, prickly seeds that get stuck to your socks and shoelaces in weedy areas. The seed’s shape is designed for digging into the soil. However, if they get into dogs, it poses potentially deadly consequences. Here’s what you need to know about foxtails.
Foxtail seeds have a sharp front tip that enters the body through an or***ce or through skin pe*******on. On the other hand, the hooked barb prevents it from getting back out. The seed is on a one-way trip to the inside of your animal.
Removal is the only option. Unlike your ordinary stickers, foxtails can be tricky for a owner without medical training to remove. A trip to your vet is the best course of action. If left untreated, a seed can cause abscesses formation and potential infection. A foxtail seed can migrate through a dog’s body to the lungs or other vital organs, resulting in severe complications or ☠️ .
Building awareness is the first step to prevent your dog from adverse signs resulted from foxtails. Familiarize yourself with what foxtail looks like and avoid long grass when possible.
Signs of a foxtail issue:
If the seed was inhaled through the snout, for example, your dog may begin to experience sneezing, nasal discharge, and snorting. If it has migrated through the paw, you may find that your dog begins to limp.
Unfortunately, if you are unaware of the exposure, this wide array of symptoms can make it difficult for pet owners to determine a foxtail seed as the source of their dog’s illness.
Some signs your dog may have encountered foxtails include:
🚫 An eye that has swollen shut or is squinting and leaking sticky discharge
🚫 Bloody discharge from the nose
🚫 Sneezing
🚫 A tough time chewing or swallowing
🚫 Refusing to eat
🚫 Bad odor coming from the mouth, ears or nose
🚫 Continuous licking or chewing of an area
🚫 Abscesses
🚫 Open sores, which may be the remains of a burst abscess or where the foxtail reside
Prevention is key! This includes:
✅ Remove foxtails in your yard
✅ Avoid foxtail-prone areas like open fields or overgrown paths and parks
✅ Stick to paved paths when walking and avoid high grass or weeds
✅ Check your pet thoroughly after any potential exposure. Make sure to look between the toes, in the ears, armpits, and groin areas. Check any folded areas and do a thorough combing
✅ If you have a long-haired dog, comb through their fur with extra attention as it may be more difficult to locate the seed
✅ If you attempt to remove a seed yourself, make sure you have the whole seed or else it can migrate through the dog’s body. See your veterinarian if any seed parts are not removed
✅ Preventative gear is available. This is useful for dogs who are off-leash in grassland areas. If your dog is regularly exposed to foxtails, consider dog shoes for paw protection or a mesh mask, which is designed to prevent foxtail exposure to a dog’s nose, ears, and mouth
By educating yourself on foxtails, you can keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy during their time outdoors!
