Foxtails are more than a nuisance—they can seriously harm your dog. Learn how to keep your pet safe
Foxtails are increasingly common in Portland yards, dog parks, and along popular walking routes.
"[Our dog] has been tracking them into our house. . . We are pretty vigilant, considering we had a dog die of a mysterious paw infection just a few years ago."
— Josh Hinton, SE Portland resident
Be a Foxtail Fighter: Learn, Act, Share
How foxtails can harm your dog
A single walk through a foxtail patch can send sharp barbed seeds deep under your dog’s skin.
Learn the red flags—limping, head shaking, sneezing, sudden licking—and what Portland vets recommend you do next.
Knowing the risks is the first step to keeping your dog safe.
Clearing your yard of foxtails
Foxtails thrive in dry, weedy corners of Portland yards, alleys, and parking strips.
We’ll walk you through how to spot them, pull them safely, and decide when it’s time to call a yard care pro.
A weekend of cleanup can prevent a season of vet visits.
Help us raise awareness
Most Portland dog owners still don’t know how dangerous foxtails can be.
Help us change that by sharing simple resources with neighbors, friends, and local dog groups.
Download a flyer, post on social media, or talk with your vet to spread the word.