What Are Foxtail Seeds?

Foxtails are the sharp, bristly seed heads produced by certain types of wild grasses. You'll find them in abundance in dry, grassy, and weedy areas, especially during the peak seasons of late spring and summer. These seeds are a masterpiece of natural engineering, designed for one purpose: to burrow into the ground to germinate.

Unfortunately, the design of the seed works just as well on our pets. A foxtail seed has microscopic barbs that all point in one direction, acting like a one-way street. This means that once a foxtail attaches to your pet's fur and pierces the skin, every movement your pet makes can push the seed deeper and deeper into its body.

Key Takeaways

• What They Are: Foxtails are arrow-shaped seed heads from certain grasses that are common in weedy areas, especially from late spring through fall.
• The Primary Danger: Their barbed, one-way design allows them to burrow into a pet's skin, nose, ears, or paws and only move forward, potentially migrating deep into the body.
• Check These Hotspots: After any time outdoors, thoroughly inspect your pet's paws (especially between the toes), ears, nose, eyes, and armpits.
• Prevention is Crucial: The best strategy is prevention. Avoid overgrown grassy areas, keep your pet's fur trimmed, and check them thoroughly after every walk.
• Immediate Vet Care is a Must: If you suspect a foxtail has embedded in your pet, do not try to dig it out yourself. Contact a veterinarian immediately, as it must be professionally removed to prevent infection and internal damage.

Citation: According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the shape of the foxtail allows it to penetrate skin and move through tissue, but prevents it from backing out. This migration is what makes them a serious health threat. (Source: UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Foxtail Season Is Here.)

Why a Tiny Seed Is a Major Threat

The danger of a foxtail goes far beyond simple irritation. Because of their unique structure, these seeds pose a significant medical risk to pets. Their sharp point allows them to easily puncture the skin and enter soft tissue, creating a wound. As they travel, they carry bacteria with them, leading to painful abscesses and severe infections.

Unlike a thorn or splinter that might dissolve or work its way out, a foxtail does not break down inside the body. It must be physically removed by a veterinarian. If left untreated, a foxtail can migrate from a paw all the way into the chest, or from the nose into the lungs or even the brain, causing life-threatening damage to internal organs.

Hotspots: Where to Check Your Pet for Foxtails

Foxtails can invade nearly any part of a pet's body, but some areas are more vulnerable than others. After every walk or outdoor activity, you should perform a thorough "foxtail check," paying special attention to these common hotspots.

Visual Suggestion: An infographic of a dog's body outline. Use callout lines to point to the "hotspots" (Paws, Ears, Nose, Eyes, Armpits, Groin), each with a small, simple icon representing that body part.

• Paws: Seeds often get wedged between a dog's toes. Watch for sudden limping, constant licking of the paw, or a red, swollen bump (abscess).
• Ears: A foxtail in the ear canal is intensely painful. Symptoms include vigorous head shaking, scratching at the ear, whining, and holding the head tilted to one side. This can lead to eardrum rupture if not removed.
• Nose: If your dog inhales a foxtail while sniffing, it can cause violent, sudden fits of sneezing. You may also see a bloody or pus-like discharge from one nostril.
• Eyes: A seed trapped under an eyelid is an immediate emergency. Look for redness, squinting, thick discharge, and pawing at the eye. It can cause severe corneal ulcers and vision loss.
• Skin & Coat: Foxtails easily get trapped in the coats of long-haired dogs, especially in the armpits, groin, and belly. They can burrow into the skin anywhere, creating a small hole that develops into a painful abscess.

How to Prevent Foxtail Emergencies

When it comes to foxtails, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking proactive steps can dramatically reduce the risk of your pet having a painful and dangerous encounter with one of these seeds. The most effective strategy is to manage your pet's environment and grooming, especially during the high-risk seasons of summer and early fall.

• Avoid Weedy Areas: Steer clear of trails with tall, dry grass and overgrown, weedy fields. Stick to cleared paths or sidewalks.
• Perform Daily Checks: After every single walk, meticulously check your pet's entire body. Comb through their fur and inspect their ears, eyes, and especially between their toes.
• Keep Fur Trimmed: A shorter haircut, especially around the paws, ears, and underbelly, makes it harder for foxtails to get a grip and easier for you to spot them.
• Consider Protective Gear: For high-risk adventures, a light protective vest or booties can help shield vulnerable areas from picking up stray seeds.

What To Do If You Suspect a Foxtail Problem

If you find a foxtail on your pet that is only loosely attached to the fur, you can carefully remove it with tweezers. However, if you suspect a foxtail has already started to enter the skin, ear, or nose, do not try to remove it yourself. Attempting to pull it out can break the seed, leaving the most dangerous part embedded deep inside. Your best and only move is to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Quick action is key to preventing the seed from migrating further. Depending on where the foxtail is, a vet may be able to remove it with special tools during an office visit. However, advanced cases often require sedation or even surgery to locate and extract the seed, followed by a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Come to our clinic straight away if you're in Tbilisi and your pet is suffering from a foxtail seed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foxtails

1. When is foxtail season?

Foxtail season typically runs from late spring through the fall, whenever grasses are dry. Right now, in early September 2025, we are in the middle of peak season. The risk remains high until consistent heavy rains return and flatten the dried grasses for the winter.

2. Are foxtails dangerous for cats as well?

Yes, foxtails are also dangerous for cats, although it is less common for them to have issues compared to dogs. Cats are often meticulous groomers and may remove a foxtail from their coat before it embeds. However, they are still very vulnerable to inhaling them into their nose or getting them lodged in their eyes and ears, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

3. Can I remove an embedded foxtail myself?

You should never attempt to remove a foxtail that has already punctured or entered your pet's skin, nose, ear, or eye. The barbs are designed to prevent it from backing out, and you will likely break it, leaving the most dangerous part of the seed behind. This can lead to migration and infection. If the seed is only loosely tangled in your pet's surface fur, you can carefully remove it with tweezers. Otherwise, contact your veterinarian immediately.

4. Are some dog breeds more at risk for foxtails?

Yes. Dogs with long fur, like Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and Sheepdogs, are at a higher risk because the seeds are easily trapped in their coats. Breeds with long, floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are also more susceptible to getting foxtails in their ear canals.

5. How can I reduce the risk of foxtails in my own yard?

You can make your yard safer by practicing regular landscape maintenance. Mow your lawn frequently to prevent grasses from seeding. Remove weeds and clear brush promptly. For pet play areas, consider using pet-safe ground cover, like clover or artificial turf, where foxtail-producing grasses cannot grow.