Foxtails in dogs aren’t just a summer problem. In autumn, parks look green again and many owners relax. However, dry seed heads remain in the grass and along paths. Wind lifts the brittle awns and hides them in fresh growth. They can cause pain fast — and, in rare cases, be fatal.
This guide shows how to spot them, act safely, and prevent injuries.
Jump to Section
- Why This Hidden Summer Risk is One Most Dog Owners Don’t Know 👇
- What Are Foxtail Grass Seeds (awns)? 🌾
- How to Identify Risky Seed Heads 🔍
- When and Where Grass Seeds (Foxtails) Are a Risk in Dogs 📅
- Why Are Foxtails Dangerous For Dogs? ⚠️
- Symptoms: How to Spot a Foxtail Injury in Dogs Early 🕵️♀️
- Clinical Statistics on Foxtails in Dogs 📊
- Foxtails in Dogs: First Aid vs Vet Visit 🏥
- Foxtails in Dogs: What Only Vets Can See 🩺
- Foxtails in Dogs: Treatment & Typical Costs – Guide Only 💷
- Foxtails in Dogs: Prevention Tips 🛡️
- How to Safely Remove a Foxtail From Your Dog (If it’s Visible) 🫰
- Final Thoughts About Foxtails in Dogs 🐾
- FAQs About Foxtails in Dogs ❓
- Take Action: Protect Your Dog From Foxtails Now 🚀
Why This Hidden Summer Risk is One Most Dog Owners Don’t Know 👇
Before heading out for summer fun at the beach, check our Dog Beach Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Day. But parks and fields also hide dangers. Warm weather, tall grass, and off-lead adventures are what dogs love most. Yet something more dangerous than ticks or thorns is waiting there: grass seeds (foxtails).
These innocent-looking spikes can pierce a dog’s skin, migrate inside the body, and cause serious — sometimes fatal — infections. Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs are not just a seasonal nuisance. They are a silent threat that every pet parent must understand.
Warm summers are changing the look of UK parks. Green fields quickly fade to straw-coloured grass. Once the grass dries, the seed heads harden. That is the moment when the risk for dogs explodes.
In Portugal, long hot seasons made families very aware of these hazards. In the UK, awareness is still catching up. Many pet parents only recently started to notice the shift from soft green lawns to dry brittle patches. That is when grass seeds become a real problem.
For dogs, the danger is simple. They run, sniff, and play where the seeds lie. The barbed awns cling to ears, paws, and fur. Without quick checks, they can embed themselves deeper and trigger painful injuries.
Note on Cats 🐱
Foxtails (grass seeds) are just as dangerous for cats as they are for dogs. Because many cats roam freely, they face a high risk of exposure.
For simplicity, this guide speaks mainly about dogs, but the same risks, symptoms, and prevention steps apply to cats.
I did grow up with this risk in mind. Holidays at my grandparents were outdoors all day. After every walk, socks off. Parents checked for “picos”. In English, that means thorns or prickles. For these grasses, the technical word is awns. Our animals were checked daily too: ears, paws, and between toes. Any tiny wound got attention. That habit still protects my dog today.
Family warning: Dry seed heads don’t only affect dogs. Moreover, they stick to people too.
- After walks, check kids’ socks, shoes, cuffs and hair. In fact, foxtails cling faster than you think.
- Shake out clothes and empty shoe treads before getting in the car or house. As a result, you avoid spreading seeds indoors.
- Finally, teach a “90-second sweep” for dogs and people after dry-grass play.
What Are Foxtail Grass Seeds (awns)?🌾
Foxtails, also called grass seeds or awns, are the seed heads of certain wild grasses. When the grass is green, the awns are soft and flexible.
However, as the plant dries in summer, the seeds harden. At this stage, the awns become brittle and barbed. Consequently, their sharp, arrow-like structure allows them to embed in soil and spread naturally. Yet the same structure also drives them into fur, skin, ears, eyes, paws, and even lungs. Unlike burrs or thorns, awns do not simply stick and fall off. Instead, they move forward only, which makes them difficult to remove once they pierce the body.
This design helps the seed survive. Unfortunately, it also creates a hidden danger. Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs can lead to painful wounds, infections, and sometimes even life-threatening complications.
Common in UK & Europe
- Bromus (Brome)
- Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley)
- Avena fatua (Wild Oats)
- Alopecurus species (Foxtail grasses)
Common in North America
- Setaria spp. (Yellow, Green, Giant Foxtail)
- Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail Barley)
- Bromus rubens (Foxtail Brome)
Foxtails often grow along park paths. If you enjoy city walks, explore our guide to Dog-Friendly Regent’s Park: Best Places to Explore.
How to Identify Risky Seed Heads 🔍
Foxtail grass seeds stand out once you know what to look for. Instead of smooth leaves, they form seed heads with needle-like bristles called awns.
When the grass is still green, these awns are soft. However, once the plant dries, the bristles turn sharp and point in one direction. This one-way shape means they easily catch on fur and clothing, and then keep moving forward.
What to look for:
- Long, thin bristles that spread out like spikes.
- A rough, arrow-like tip that feels sharp to the touch.
- Straw-coloured seed heads in summer and early autumn.
Look-alikes: Sandspurs or burrs (Cenchrus spp.) appear as spiky balls. These can be painful if stepped on, but they do not usually migrate inside the body like foxtails.
Spotting risky seed heads takes practice. Some spiky plants look similar but are not the same threat. Below, you’ll see a visual comparison between true foxtail awns and harmless look-alikes, helping you learn to tell them apart.
When and Where Grass Seeds (Foxtails) Are a Risk in Dogs📅
United Kingdom and Europe
- 🌞 Season: Generally, late spring through summer. In spring, seeds germinate. Then plants grow steadily through the warmer months. By late summer or early autumn, seed heads form.
- 🌾 Peak: Risk rises when grass turns dry and straw-coloured. Because foxtail is a summer annual, it dies after setting seed. Afterwards, the seeds fall to the ground. Subsequently, they wait for the right conditions to sprout and begin the cycle again the following year.
- 🐕Where: In particular, roadside verges, meadows, field margins, dunes, and scrubby park areas present the highest danger.
United States and Canada
- ☀️ Season: Typically, the hot and dry months. In spring, seeds germinate. Through summer, plants grow. By late summer or autumn, seed heads develop.
- 🏜️ Highest risk: When the grass becomes brittle and dry. Because foxtail is a summer annual, it dies after setting seed. Afterwards, the seeds fall to the ground. Subsequently, they wait for the right conditions to sprout and restart the cycle the next year. Consequently, Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs are most problematic at this stage.
- 🐾 Where: In particular, the prairie provinces and western regions face the highest risk. Specifically, foxtails thrive in dry grasslands, untended fields, and along trail edges. Additionally, roadside verges and vacant lots can harbour dry seed heads late in the season.
Humid regions (e.g. Florida)
- 🌴 Foxtails less dominant. Because the climate is humid, foxtails are less dominant. However, burrs and sandspurs remain present during the warmer months.
- Peak: Risk does not follow the same annual cycle as foxtails. Instead, prickly burrs and sandspurs appear whenever conditions are warm and vegetation dries.
- 👟Where: Most often, they are found along sandy paths, open fields, and coastal parks. Moreover, they easily stick to clothing, socks, and shoes, which means people as well as dogs are affected.
Why this matters
The danger increases as grasses dry. Consequently, brittle awns break free and cling to fur, socks, or skin. In fact, this is when Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs cause the most injuries.
Moreover, knowing when and where they appear makes prevention easier. Above all, awareness saves both discomfort and high vet bills.
Finally, understanding the full life cycle of grass seeds explains why summer is the most dangerous season. The infographic below illustrates both the plant stages and the risk points for dogs and humans.
Visual guide: This infographic shows the complete life cycle of grass seeds (foxtails). The stages move from germination to dry awns, the moment of highest risk. At the centre, you can see the main risk points for dogs and humans — ears, paws, eyes, nose, and exposed skin. Use this as a quick reference during summer walks.
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous For Dogs? ⚠️
The shape of a foxtail makes it a one-way travel hazard. Awns have backward-facing barbs. Once they pierce the skin, they cannot come out on their own. Instead, each muscle movement pushes them deeper.
Common entry points include:
- 🐾 Paws: Often lodge between the toes. From there, they burrow into soft tissue.
- 👂 Ears: Cause head shaking, pain, and ear canal damage.
- 👁️ Eyes: Lead to ulcers, infections, or even blindness.
- 👃 Nose: Trigger violent sneezing, nasal bleeding, and infection.
- 🩹 Skin folds (armpits, groin, tail): Hide and create abscesses.
- ❤️ Internal organs: Rare, but awns can migrate to lungs or abdomen. This is life-threatening.
If ignored, foxtails cause infection, abscesses, coughing, or ongoing pain. In severe cases, they damage organs, create life-threatening complications, and can even lead to death.
Symptoms: How to Spot a Foxtail Injury in Dogs Early 🕵️♀️
Because Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs are tiny but aggressive, symptoms may seem mild at first. They often look like everyday discomforts, but they get worse quickly.
Watch for signs like:
| Body Area | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🐾 Paws | Limping, licking, swelling, abscesses |
| 👂 Ears | Head shaking, tilting, whining, scratching |
| 👁️ Eyes | Squinting, tearing, redness, visible object |
| 👃 Nose | Sneezing, discharge, pawing at nose |
| 🗣 Mouth / Throat | Gagging, difficulty swallowing, swelling, sore mouth |
| 🩹 Skin | Lumps, pus, red spots, sudden licking |
| ❤️ Lungs / Internal | Lethargy, fever, breathing changes, organ damage |
- Immediate vet (same day): ear, eye, nose, throat, genitals; bleeding/pus; sudden sneezing/head-shaking.
- Watchful 24–48h: seed removed from coat or very superficial skin, no pain; monitor swelling and licking.
Common confusions: Not every post-park sneeze or limp is a foxtail. For example, some irritants cause brief reactions.
- Sometimes sneezing follows stinging nettle sniffing 🌱 — irritating, but not embedding.
- Additionally, a sudden limp can be a simple misstep during play and often settles with rest.
- However, if signs persist or worsen, follow the vet-check rules above.
Foxtails in Dogs: What If My Dog Swallows One?🐶
Although most foxtails enter through the nose, ears, or skin, dogs can also swallow them accidentally. At first, the seed may lodge in the throat or esophagus, leading to gagging, repeated coughing, or difficulty swallowing. These are often the earliest warning signs that something is wrong.
Next, if the foxtail travels further, it can irritate the stomach lining. This may result in painful ulcers or even internal bleeding.
Moreover, if it passes into the intestines, the barbed seed can perforate the bowel wall. As a result, it may create abscesses and spread infection. In severe cases, it can even trigger life-threatening peritonitis.
For a professional overview, see Preventive Vet’s guide on foxtails in dogs .
Clinical Statistics on Foxtails in Dogs 📊
Several studies confirm how frequently foxtails lodge in different parts of a dog’s body:
- 📊 In a review of 182 cases, 51 % of foxtails were found in the external ear canal. Other locations included the skin, nose, eye, and thoracic cavity. PubMed study
- 🐾A larger study of 754 dogs showed the most common sites were the ear canal, subcutaneous tissues, and nasal canal. PubMed research
- 👀 CT scan analysis of 44 dogs revealed foxtails in the chest (35 %), nasal cavity (31 %), ear (7 %), and other head and neck regions (22 %). ResearchGate article
These findings highlight how dangerous Foxtails (Grass Seeds) in dogs can be. Paws and ears are often the first places pet parents check. Yet research shows that foxtail seeds can migrate much deeper. From nasal cavities to the lungs, foxtails are not just a minor irritation. They are a serious medical risk that may require urgent veterinary care.
SAVSNET 2024 Study – Regional and Breed Trends
Recent surveillance data from SAVSNET (University of Liverpool, May 2024) add a wider lens to the clinical picture of foxtails in dogs (grass seeds).
Earlier studies focused mainly on where awns lodge in the body.
This new dataset also highlights where in the UK cases cluster and which breeds are most affected.
UK Regions: Foxtail-Related Vet Appointments (SAVSNET 2024)🌍
First, by region, the East of England recorded the highest number of foxtail-related vet appointments.
It was followed by the South East and the South West.Next, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands appeared in the middle of the ranking. Further north, the North West and Scotland reported fewer cases. In contrast, Wales and Northern Ireland showed almost none.
Breeds: Foxtails in Dogs — Higher vs. Lower Risk (SAVSNET 2024)🐶
Moreover, breed patterns stand out. For example, English Toy Spaniel, Bouvier des Flandres, and Foxhound showed higher rates of foxtail injuries. By comparison, breeds like Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, and Rhodesian Ridgeback had few or no recorded cases. Notably, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — hugely popular in London — showed a moderate level of foxtail injuries.
Owners should therefore prioritise daily post-walk checks.
Focus especially on the ears, feathered paws, and armpits.
| Breed | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English Toy Spaniel | High | Appears frequently in foxtail-related vet reports. |
| Bouvier des Flandres | High | Long, dense coat may trap awns. |
| Foxhound | High | Active outdoor work increases exposure. |
| Otterhound | High | Shaggy coat; field activity. |
| Cockapoo | Medium | Feathered paws/ears; popular in London. |
| Dachshund (Wire-Haired) | Medium | Wire coat can catch awns on low vegetation. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Medium | Feathered ears/feet → check daily after walks. |
| English Setter | Low | Recorded, but less frequent. |
| Chow Chow | Low | Few entries observed. |
| Maltipoo | None reported | No cases noted in dataset snapshot. |
| Cavapoo | None reported | No cases noted in dataset snapshot. |
| Rottweiler | None reported | Virtually absent from reports. |
| Saint Bernard | None reported | Virtually absent from reports. |
| Podengo Português | None reported | No entries observed. |
| Note: Categories are simplified from SAVSNET 2024 trends to aid owners. Actual risk varies with coat care, terrain, and activity. | ||
Together, these findings confirm that risk is shaped by several factors.
It depends not only on the season (June–September) and the body site, but also on the local environment.
Breed traits such as ear shape, coat density, and outdoor activity add further influence. Consequently, prevention works best when it is local, seasonal, and breed-aware.
Foxtails in Dogs: First Aid vs Vet Visit 🏥
When you find a grass seed on your dog, quick choices matter. In some cases, at-home care is safe. However, in others, your vet is the only option.
Seed on the Coat and Loose 🐾
Gently remove with fingers or a comb. Re-check the area, then watch for irritation.
Seed in Skin, Ear, Eye, Nose, or Between Toes ⚠️
Stop. Do not tweeze or flush. Call your vet for same-day removal. Keep your dog calm and prevent paw chewing.
You Are Unsure? 🚨
Treat it as embedded. Never risk digging or probing. Seek a vet immediately.
These quick guides show the basics. Moreover, to make it clearer, here’s a side-by-side table. It highlights what you can safely do at home and when you must see a vet.
Additionally, you may need public transport to reach the vet. Find smart tips our guide on dogs and public transport for what to know.
| ✅ At-home care | 🚨 Go to the vet if |
|---|---|
| 👀 Inspect after every walk, especially in rural or overgrown areas | ❌ The seed is not fully visible |
| ✂️ Use tweezers only if the seed is visible and shallow | 🩸 There’s swelling, pus, or bleeding |
| 💧 Clean the area with saline or vet-approved antiseptic | 😟 Your dog is in pain or acting off |
| ⚠️ Never dig into a wound — pushing deeper can cause more harm | 🫁 You suspect internal migration (nose, lungs) |
Foxtails (grass seeds) in dogs may look small. Yet they can quickly turn into emergencies. Therefore, when in doubt, always choose the vet. For related risks, see our article on what to do if your dog swallows a sharp object.
Foxtails in Dogs: What Only Vets Can See 🩺
Foxtails in dogs often hide where the human eye cannot reach. First, they may slip under dense fur or inside delicate areas like the ear canal. Then, they continue moving deeper, creating painful infections that only a veterinarian can diagnose. Consequently, the following images highlight the hidden dangers most visible only in a clinic.
⚠️ Warning: These images may be sensitive for some readers. They are included because awareness saves lives.
Foxtails in Dogs: Treatment & Typical Costs – Guide Only💷
Once a foxtail enters the body, removal often needs veterinary care. Below are common treatments and the typical UK cost ranges. Yet foxtails are only one piece of the bigger health puzzle. For practical tips on choosing vets, managing costs, and everyday care, see Pet Health Care and Insurance for Responsible Owners.
| What vets may do 🩺 | Typical cost ranges (UK) 💷 |
|---|---|
| ✂️ Physical removal with forceps | £40–£100 (simple consult) 💷 |
| 😴 Sedation / 🔬 Endoscopy for deep checks | £200–£800+ 💷 |
| 🩻 Advanced imaging (CT or ultrasound) | ~£1,000–£3,000 💷 |
| 🏥 Surgery for abscesses or complications | Case dependent, usually higher 💷 |
The Kennel Club (UK) notes that 31% of all grass-seed injury claims occur in July. Moreover, almost 76% of the claims are filed between July and September.
Trupanion (US/Canada) similarly reports that foxtail-related insurance claims spike by 289% during June–August compared with other months. In fact, this sharp rise highlights how seasonal the risk truly is.
Consequently, these figures confirm that foxtails are not just a veterinary emergency — they also drive real financial impact through higher claim numbers and rising vet bills.
If you don’t yet have pet insurance, you may feel unsure about what to choose. In that case, check our guide on how to find the best cover for your pet.
Foxtails in Dogs: Prevention Tips 🛡️
Stopping foxtails before they harm your dog is easier than treating them later. Therefore, prevention should always come first.
Before walks🚶♀️
- Stick to short-cut paths when seed heads are dry. Also, avoid tall grass in peak season (May–September).
- Use booties for field runs. In addition, try a snood or OutFox headgear for long ears.
After walks (90-second check)⏱️
- Follow a routine: ears → paws → armpits → groin → tail.
- Finger-comb the coat. Then, wipe paws with a damp cloth.
- Keep fur between toes trimmed in summer. Moreover, regular trimming reduces hidden risks.
7-Day Habit: First, start with 10-second paw touches and reward calmly. Then, add gentle ear and tail checks. Next, include belly and between-toe touches. Finally, by day 7, your dog will accept the full 90-second sweep as cuddle time 🐾.
By coat type✂️
- Spaniels, poodle mixes, terriers → regular foot and ear trims.
- Short coats → daily fingertip sweep still matters. However, do not skip checks even if fur looks short.
- Adventure pups → carry a small comb and saline for gentle coat rinses. For example, a quick rinse can help with dust or seeds.
Gear, Home & Garden Safety 🏡
- First, carry a comb, tweezers, and a small torch for quick checks.
- Additionally, keep saline for light coat rinses, but never flush eyes or ears.
- Moreover, mow lawns before seed heads form and always bag the clippings.
- Also, remove mouse barley, brome, and wild oats from the garden.
- In addition, avoid ornamental grasses with barbed awns near dog areas.
- Finally, keep a “foxtail kit” by the door for daily checks.
A safe garden lowers the risk, yet foxtails wait outdoors. The real protection comes from your walk-time checklist.
A two-minute check can save you a painful vet visit. Get our Foxtail (Grass Seeds) Walk Checklist — simple, printable, and ready to use after every walk.
How to Safely Remove a Foxtail From Your Dog (If it’s Visible)🫰
👉 Important: Most foxtails (grass seeds) in dogs need a vet.
Only attempt removal if the foxtail is clearly visible, shallow, and not near sensitive areas (eyes, ears, nose, genitals, or throat). When in doubt, see your vet immediately.
What you’ll need🧰
- Clean tweezers (slanted-tip or flat-tip)
- Flashlight or phone light
- Clean cloth or gauze
- Pet-safe antiseptic (chlorhexidine or saline)
- Muzzle (optional, for anxious dogs)
- Treats and a calm environment
Step-by-Step Foxtail Removal✅
Calm Your Dog
Keep your dog still and relaxed.
If possible, ask someone to help — one holds, the other removes.
For small dogs, use a towel or blanket for gentle restraint.
Locate the Foxtail
Use a flashlight to check paws, fur, or shallow wounds.
Look for redness, swelling, or discharge at the entry point.
Assess Accessibility
Only remove foxtails that are partially embedded and easy to reach.
Never attempt if the seed is deep or in a sensitive area.
Remove Carefully
Use tweezers to grasp the foxtail at its base.
Pull straight out — slow and steady.
Do not twist or yank sharply.
Clean the Area
Gently clean with saline or antiseptic.
Pat dry with clean gauze or cloth.
Monitor Closely for 24–48 Hours
Keep the area clean and dry.
Watch for infection: swelling, pus, redness, or ongoing licking.
When to See a Vet Immediately🚨
The foxtail broke off or went deeper
You see bleeding, pus, or swelling
Your dog is in pain, sneezing, or limping
It is lodged in the eye, ear, nose, genitals, or throat
You feel unsure at any stage
Tip: Prevent Future Trouble🧾
- Use the Foxtail Walk Checklist after every walk
- Trim long paw and belly fur in summer
- Avoid tall grass during foxtail season
Final thoughts about foxtails in dogs 🐾
Grass seeds (foxtails) may look harmless, yet they pose a silent threat to pets. Their barbed awns don’t just stick — they travel deeper, causing pain, infection, and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Awareness is the first step. Daily checks, smart prevention, and knowing when to call the vet can save both suffering and high costs.
Enjoying fields and parks with your dog should stay joyful. With a careful eye and a quick routine, you can keep foxtails from turning playtime into a medical emergency.
📚 References
- PubMed: Clinical cases of foxtail migration in dogs
- Blue Cross UK – Grass seeds in dogs
- PDSA – Grass seeds in dogs
- FVG – Foreign bodies in small animals
FAQs About Foxtails in Dogs❓
Yes — in severe cases. Migrating foxtails can reach the lungs or abdomen, leading to life-threatening infections. Quick vet care prevents the worst outcomes.
Yes. Cats that roam outdoors face the same dangers as dogs. Seeds can lodge in their paws, ears, or eyes. Daily checks are just as important.
The main entry points are ears, paws, eyes, nose, armpits, groin, and tail.
Yes. Even urban parks and grassy verges can hide foxtails in summer and autumn.
Very quickly. Sneezing, limping, or head shaking may start within minutes. Infections or abscesses can develop in 24–72 hours if the seed remains inside.
Late spring through summer, especially when grass dries. In autumn, wind can spread old seeds across green fields.
They hurt and stick, but they usually don’t migrate inside the body like foxtails. Still, always check paws and pads.
Follow the 90-second routine: ears → paws → armpits → groin → tail → full finger-comb of the coat.
First, stay calm. If it is visible on the coat, remove it gently. However, if it’s in the skin, ear, nose, or eye, stop and go to the vet right away.
Yes — but only if it is loose on the coat. If it pierces skin or enters an ear, eye, or nose, see a vet immediately.
Avoid tall dry grass during foxtail season. Groom daily, trim long fur, and check paws, ears, and eyes after every walk. A quick inspection is the best protection.
Take Action: Protect Your Dog From Foxtails Now 🚀
Foxtails (grass seeds) don’t wait — and neither should you.
Every walk is a risk if you don’t check.
Don’t let a simple seed turn into a vet emergency.
👉 Share this guide with other pet parents.
👉 Start your 90-second post-walk routine today.
👉 Keep your furry friend safe, healthy, and happy.
🐾 Your dog depends on you. Stay alert. Stay prepared.
Have you dealt with grass seeds or burrs?
👇 Drop your stories, moments, or ideas in the comments below.
I read every single one — and they always warm my heart.💚
Let’s inspire each other and honour the pups who make our lives brighter.
And who knows? Your story might be added to this article as a beautiful example of love and celebration. 🐾
Thanks for reading! If you found this foxtail guide helpful, join us for more pawsome tips. You’ll also find heartfelt stories and everyday adventures.
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