Foxtails in Dogs and Cats: The Hidden Summer Danger Every Pet Owner Should Know

May 30, 2025
Curious dog outdoors during foxtail season in Southern California

Summer in Southern California means more time outside with our pets. It also means foxtail season. Foxtails in dogs and cats are one of the most common warm-weather emergencies veterinarians see. They may look like ordinary dry grass, but those sharp, barbed seed heads are designed to move in only one direction: forward. Once they become trapped in your pet’s fur, ears, nose, eyes, or paws, they don’t simply fall out. Instead, they can burrow deeper into the skin, causing painful infections and sometimes requiring surgery to remove. Knowing what to look for and acting quickly can save your pet from a much more serious problem.

What Are Foxtails?

 

Foxtails are the seed heads of several types of wild grasses that become dry during late spring and summer. They’re especially common throughout Riverside County, hiking trails, vacant lots, parks, and along roadsides.

 

Each tiny barb acts like a fishhook. Once attached to your pet, every step they take can push the foxtail farther into the body. Unlike splinters, foxtails don’t dissolve or work themselves back out.

Close-up of foxtail seed heads that can injure dogs and cats
Foxtails may look like ordinary grass, but their barbed seeds can burrow into a pet’s skin, ears, nose, and paws.

Why Foxtails in Dogs and Cats Are So Dangerous

 

Because foxtails only move forward, they can migrate through tissue over time. A small seed caught between your dog’s toes can eventually cause a deep abscess. One that enters the nose or ear can become a medical emergency.

 

Foxtails are commonly found in:

  • Between the toes
  • Paw pads
  • Ears
  • Nose
  • Eyes
  • Mouth
  • Under the tail
  • Armpits
  • Thick coats and feathered fur

 

Even indoor pets can be exposed if they briefly walk through an area with dry grass.

Signs Your Pet May Have a Foxtail

 

The symptoms depend on where the foxtail entered the body, but some of the most common warning signs include:

  • Repeated sneezing
  • Violent head shaking
  • Paw licking or chewing
  • Limping
  • Squinting or excessive tearing
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Drainage from a wound
  • Suddenly refusing to bear weight on a paw

 

If your pet suddenly develops one of these symptoms after spending time outdoors, don’t wait to see if it gets better.

Check Your Pet After Every Outdoor Adventure

 

One of the easiest ways to prevent problems is a quick inspection before heading inside. Run your hands over your pet’s body and pay special attention to:

  • Between every toe
  • Inside and around the ears
  • Around the eyes
  • Under the collar
  • Under the tail
  • Belly and armpits
  • Long fur around the legs and feet

 

Brushing your pet after walks can also remove loose foxtails before they become embedded.

Close-up of a dog’s paw to check for foxtails after a walk
Checking your pet’s paws after every walk only takes a minute and can prevent a painful injury.

Can You Remove Foxtails from Dogs and Cats Yourself?

 

Sometimes. If the foxtail is sitting loosely on top of the fur, you can safely remove it.

 

However, if it’s already embedded in the skin, inside the ear, nose, eye, or between the toes, don’t try digging it out yourself. Pieces can break off and continue migrating under the skin. If you suspect a foxtail has penetrated the body, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Preventing Foxtails in Dogs and Cats

Dog hiking on a trail during foxtail season
Stick to maintained trails whenever possible and inspect your pet after every outdoor adventure.

While you can’t eliminate every risk, you can greatly reduce your pet’s chances of encountering foxtails.

  • Avoid walking through dry grassy fields whenever possible.
  • Keep grass and weeds trimmed around your yard.
  • Stay on maintained trails during hikes.
  • Trim excess hair between your dog’s paw pads.
  • Perform a full body check after every walk or hike.
  • Seek veterinary care right away if something doesn’t seem normal.

A two-minute inspection after an outdoor adventure can prevent a painful emergency later.

Dogs enjoying a hike with their owner during spring and summer
Summer adventures are still on the schedule. A quick post-hike check helps keep them safe.

Enjoy Summer Without the Worry

 

Foxtails are common in Southern California, but they don’t have to keep you and your pets indoors. A quick check after walks, keeping your yard trimmed, and knowing the warning signs can make all the difference. The sooner you catch a foxtail, the easier it usually is to treat.

Continue Learning

 

Summer brings more than just foxtails. Learn how to protect your pets during the hottest months of the year with these guides:

 

If you’d like to learn more about identifying foxtails and why they’re so dangerous, these are two excellent resources.

Read PetMD’s guide to foxtails and pets
Watch video showing foxtails and why they’re dangerous

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are foxtails only dangerous for dogs?

No. Cats, rabbits, and other pets can also be injured by foxtails, although dogs are affected most often because they spend more time running through grass.

 

What time of year are foxtails most common?

Late spring through early fall is peak foxtail season, especially after grasses dry out.

 

Can a foxtail come out on its own?

Usually not. Because of their barbed design, foxtails continue moving deeper instead of backing out.

 

How quickly should I see a veterinarian?

Immediately if the foxtail is in the eye, ear, or nose, or if your pet suddenly begins limping, sneezing repeatedly, or develops swelling after being outdoors.

 

Are foxtails common in Southern California?

Yes. They’re extremely common throughout Riverside County and much of Southern California during the summer months.

Posted in Pet Health and Safety, Seasonal Pet Safety