It usually starts with something small. A sneeze that won’t stop. A sudden head shake. A paw obsessively scratching at the ear. It might look like a minor irritation—but for many dogs during the dry season, these signs point to something much more serious: a foxtail.

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, we’ve seen how quickly these tiny grass awns can turn into big problems. A single foxtail can puncture skin, burrow into tissue, or lodge in an ear canal—leading to infections, abscesses, or even life-threatening complications.

If your pet spends time outdoors, this guide is for you. We’ll help you understand how foxtails behave, how to recognize the signs of injury, and what you can do to prevent them.

What Are Foxtails, and Why Are They So Dangerous?

Foxtails are the barbed seeds of certain grasses (like foxtail barley) that thrive in dry, weedy areas—especially in the spring and summer months. Their sharp, arrow-like shape allows them to dig deeper into anything they touch.

That design is great for plant survival—but it can be a disaster for your dog’s health.

Where Pets Pick Up Foxtails

Foxtails are commonly found:

  • In dry fields or along hiking trails
  • On roadsides, sidewalks, or vacant lots
  • In long, unmowed grasses—even in your own backyard

Dogs with floppy ears, long coats, or curious noses are especially vulnerable. Active dogs that run off-leash in brushy areas are at the highest risk.

How Foxtails Enter—and Harm—the Body

Foxtails can sneak in through several common entry points:

  • Ears: Leading to painful infections, head shaking, or eardrum rupture
  • Nose: Causing sneezing, nasal discharge, or breathing trouble
  • Eyes: Leading to squinting, redness, or corneal ulcers
  • Paws and Skin: Resulting in swelling, limping, or visible abscesses
  • Mouth and throat: Causing coughing, gagging, or respiratory issues

Because they move forward only (and never back out), foxtails often migrate deeper into tissue, making early intervention crucial.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong—but they’ll show you in their behavior.

Look for:

  • Sudden head shaking or pawing at the ears
  • Persistent sneezing or nasal discharge
  • Red, irritated eyes or squinting
  • Licking or chewing at a paw or limb
  • Lumps or bumps under the skin
  • Limping or refusal to walk
  • Lethargy, whining, or signs of pain

Trust your instincts. If your pet is acting unusually uncomfortable—especially after time outdoors—get them checked.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

At our hospital, foxtail injuries are treated as medical urgencies. Depending on the location and severity, we may use:

  • Physical exams and history of outdoor activity
  • Sedation for safe removal in delicate areas
  • Endoscopy, ultrasound, or X-rays if the foxtail has migrated internally
  • Surgical exploration for deep abscesses or systemic infections
  • Antibiotics and pain management for recovery
  • Ear cleaning or wound flushing depending on the entry site

Learn how to properly clean your dog’s ears at home

Foxtail Prevention: What Pet Owners Can Do

You can’t eliminate all risk, but there’s a lot you can do to reduce it.

1. Avoid High-Risk Areas

Stay on well-maintained paths and avoid overgrown trails during peak foxtail season.

2. Protective Gear

Consider using a product like Outfox for Dogs—a lightweight mesh hood that protects your dog’s face, nose, ears, and eyes without limiting their vision or play.

3. Grooming and Coat Checks

Brush your dog thoroughly after outdoor activity, especially their paws, armpits, and between toes.
 Why grooming matters – ASPCA

4. Train Cooperative Handling

Teaching your dog to accept gentle handling helps you check ears, paws, and eyes safely at home.
 Start here: Cooperative care training for dogs

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your dog shows any of the signs listed above—or if you see a visible foxtail in their skin or eye—don’t wait. Foxtails don’t work themselves out, and the longer they’re in the body, the higher the risk of infection, internal damage, or surgical intervention.

Contact the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona for emergency assistance.