Foxtails: Tiny Threat, Big Trouble for Dogs

🌾 What Are Foxtails?

  • Barbed grass seed pods that cling to fur and easily migrate into skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or lungs

⚠️ Why They're Dangerous

  • The barbs act like tiny one-way anchors, enabling foxtails to burrow deeper over time, often unnoticed

  • They can cause pain, infection, tissue damage, and even death if they reach internal organs .

  • Commonly affected areas include:

    • Paws (especially between toes): causes swelling, limping, licking

    • Ears: head shaking and scratching; mimics ear infections

    • Eyes: redness, discharge, irritation .

    • Nose & Lungs: sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing; serious infections possible

🚨 Warning Signs to Watch

  • Persistent limping or swollen paws

  • Regular head shaking or ear scratching

  • Red, irritated eyes or discharge

  • Ongoing sneezing, coughing, nasal issues

  • General discomfort, licking at specific areas

🛡️ Preventive Actions

  • Avoid walking in tall, dry grass during late spring and summer

  • Use dog booties or paw covers in risky areas

  • Regularly groom and check fur—especially in areas like paws, ears, under armpits, behind knees .

  • Modify your yard—clear weeds and tall grasses where possible