14/06/2025
The Sneaky Grass That Every Pet Parent Needs to Know About!
Foxtail grass—aka Spear Grass, Wall Barley, or Mouse Barley—isn’t just a West Coast troublemaker anymore. It’s spread across nearly all of the U.S. and Canada, and it’s bad news for pets everywhere. These sneaky grasses have barbed, needle-like tips that love to hitch a ride on your adventurous fur kids (and even horses!). Once attached, they only move one way—deeper in—causing pain, infection, sometimes requiring surgery, and sometimes may cause death. So be vigilant with your fur kids!
Foxtails especially love hiding between toes, in ears, up noses (yikes!), and just about anywhere else. They do NOT dissolve or work themselves out, so check your pets after every outdoor romp: brush their coat, inspect ears, nose, eyes, underbellies, between toes, under collars, and yes—even the private bits!
Best tip? Avoid foxtail patches, keep your yard clear, and give your fur kids a thorough post-adventure once-over. Remember: a few minutes of detective work can save you a world of trouble, heartache (and vet bills).
The most dangerous type of foxtail for pets is not a single species but rather any grass with barbed, needle-like seed awns—these include several wild grasses commonly called "foxtails," "spear grass," "wall barley," and "mouse barley". The barbed awns are designed to move only forward, burrowing into a pet’s skin, nose, ears, eyes, or even lungs, where they can cause severe pain, infection, abscesses, and sometimes death if not removed promptly.
Foxtail grasses are found across much of the world, especially in North America (with the western U.S.—notably California—being a hotspot), but also throughout most of the U.S., Canada, and many other temperate regions globally. Their dangerous barbed seeds can harm pets wherever these grasses grow, making awareness and prevention important for pet owners worldwide.
You can download my FREE Foxtail poster on my blog. Share at dog parks and vet offices. Give to friends, family, neighbors and fellow pet parents: https://shop.redandhowling.com/blogs/news/the-sneaky-grass-that-every-pet-parent-needs-to-know-about
Stay safe and foxtail-free!
xo, Amy
