Foxtails in Dogs and Cats: The Hidden Summer Danger Every Pet Owner Needs to Know About
- Harley
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Please be aware that grass seeds are currently in season and are widespread. They can be extremely dangerous to dogs and cats.
As the warmer months arrive and you enjoy longer walks with your dog through parks, meadows, and countryside paths, a tiny but serious hazard lurks in the grass: foxtails (also known as grass seeds or awns). They can lead to painful infections, abscesses, and even life-threatening complications if not spotted early.
Grass seeds are not always like the one above, typically they are smaller than this so are much harder to notice. But just because they are smaller, doesn't mean that they are any less of a worry, they can still cause a lot of damage.
What Are Foxtails?
Grass seeds, commonly known as foxtails, are the seed heads of certain wild grasses. They feature sharp, arrow-like barbs designed by nature to stick to animal fur and clothing so they can spread and grow in new locations.
While this is an effective survival strategy for the plant, it makes these seeds highly problematic for pets. Once attached, the barbed structure allows the seed to work its way into the skin and even migrate through the body — sometimes travelling surprisingly far and causing significant damage.
Foxtails are widespread across the UK, especially in parks, open fields, woodland edges, and even urban green spaces like those in London. They peak from late spring through early autumn (roughly May to October).
Why Foxtails Are So Dangerous for Pets?
Unlike ordinary plant material, foxtail seeds don't break down or dissolve. The sharp point pierces the skin, and the backward-facing barbs prevent them from falling out. They can migrate through tissue, carrying bacteria and causing serious problems.
Common entry points include:
Paws (especially between toes and under pads)
Ears (particularly in dogs with floppy or hairy ears)
Nose and eyes
Skin folds, armpits, groin, or mouth
If left untreated, a foxtail can travel internally, leading to abscesses, chronic infections, or in rare cases, damage to organs like the lungs.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Watch closely after walks in grassy areas.
Early symptoms often include:
Excessive licking or chewing at one specific spot (especially a paw)
Sudden limping or holding up a paw
Persistent head shaking or tilting
Pawing at the ears, eyes, or face
Repeated sneezing or nasal discharge (sometimes bloody)
Redness, swelling, or a small bump/pus-filled area on the skin
Rubbing their face on the ground or furniture
If your pet shows any of these signs, don't wait! The longer the foxtail stays in, the deeper it burrows and the more damage it causes.
What to Do If You Suspect a Foxtail
Immediate first aid steps (while heading to the vet):
If the seed is visible and only on the surface (e.g., stuck in fur or just piercing the skin), carefully remove it with clean tweezers. Pull straight out in the direction it entered — never force it.
Clean the area gently with a pet-safe antiseptic.
Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the spot (use a cone if needed).
Important: If the foxtail is in the ear, nose, eye, or has already disappeared under the skin, do not attempt removal yourself. Take your pet to a vet immediately. They may need sedation, imaging (as seeds often don't show on standard X-rays), or surgery to locate and remove it safely.
Antibiotics and pain relief are often required for secondary infections.
How to Prevent Foxtail Injuries in the UK
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here's how to protect your pet:
Avoid high-risk areas — Stick to mown paths and avoid letting your dog run through tall, dry, or overgrown grass during peak season.
Check your dog thoroughly after every walk or when your cat returns home - Focus on paws (between toes and pads), ears, eyes, nose, armpits, and groin. Do this as soon as they get home.
Groom regularly — Keep fur trimmed around the paws, ears, and belly, especially for long-haired or curly-coated breeds (Spaniels, Retrievers, and Terriers are often most affected).
Use protective gear — Consider dog boots or a foxtail-resistant vest for walks in rural areas.
Maintain your garden — Mow grass short and remove any seeding grasses before they dry out.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us by email at support@poochesandpaws-petfirstaid.co.uk or fill out our contact form.
If you would like to book onto our in-person pet first aid courses based in Southend-on-Sea, please view our course dates on our Book Online page.
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