Foxtail Weed and Your Dog: Know the Dangers

Katherine Barbour
August 2024

For dog owners, ensuring the safety and well-being of their pets is a top priority. While many dangers are well-known, such as toxic foods (chocolate) and harmful chemicals (some essential oils), one lesser-known but significant threat comes from a seemingly harmless plant: foxtail weed.

Foxtail weed, part of the Alopecurus genus, is a common grass found in many parts of the world, particularly in North America. Despite its unassuming appearance, foxtail weed poses a serious risk to dogs, potentially leading to severe health complications and issues

What is Foxtail Weed

Foxtail weed is characterized by its bushy, spiked seed heads that resemble a fox’s tail. These seed heads are designed to disperse widely and can become embedded in the fur, skin, and orifices of animals walking by. The seeds’ barbed structure makes them particularly dangerous, as they can move deeper into the body and, since they do not break down, cause significant damage.

How Foxtail Weed Affects Dogs?

Foxtail weed can cause a range of health issues for dogs, depending on where the seeds become lodged. They can dig into any part of the body, move in one direction, and do not dissolve, causing all sorts of havoc.

The most common areas are the paws, ears and nose. They cannot come out on their own and must be removed! Here are some of the common areas affected and the associated dangers:

1. Paws

Foxtail seeds can easily get stuck between a dog’s toes or in their paw pads. This can lead to swelling, abscesses, and severe pain. Dogs may exhibit symptoms like persistent licking, swelling or discharge between toes and limping.

2. Ears

Seeds can enter a dog’s ear canal, causing severe discomfort, infection, and potential hearing loss. Signs of a foxtail seed in the ear include head shaking, pawing at the ear, pain when the head or ear is touched, head tilting, or redness & discharge from the ear.

3. Nose & Mouth

If inhaled, foxtail seeds can lodge in a dog’s nasal passages, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the seeds can migrate further into the respiratory system, requiring surgical removal, or even or even worse puncturing a lung. In the mouth, they can lead to coughing, gagging and trouble swallowing. If you hear your pup coughing after a walk, it’s very likely they encountered some Foxtail!

4. EYES

Seeds can also become trapped in the eyes, causing irritation, redness, discharge, and potential damage to the cornea. Dogs with foxtail seeds in their eyes often paw at their face and may exhibit visible swelling.

5. SKIN

Foxtail seeds can penetrate the skin and travel through the body, causing abscesses, infection, and internal damage. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pus-filled sores. They could also have a small bump or lump on the skin that feels hard, and may have a small hoe in the middle.

6. INTERNAL DAMAGE

If ingested, Foxtail seeds can migrate through a dog’s body, potentially puncturing organs, creating abscesses and causing severe infections that require emergency surgery. If you notice your dog is lethargic, has a lack of appetite, or has wounds that smell, have discharge or are bleeding, they may have foxtail seed embedded, and you should seek immediate veterinary help.

Early detection is crucial to prevent severe complications caused by foxtail seeds. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

Key Symptoms

Excessive licking or chewing at paws.
Head shaking or ear scratching
Sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Red, swollen, or watery eyes
Sudden onset of limping or pain
Visible swelling or sores on the skin (abscess)

Preventing Foxtail Seed Exposure

Unfortunately in Fort McMurray, Alberta- this plant can be found all over the city, and in large batches.

Prevention is the best defense against the dangers of foxtail weed!

1. Avoid High-Risk Areas

During foxtail season, typically from late spring through fall, try to avoid areas where foxtail weeds are prevalent, such as open fields, roadsides, and trails.

2. Regular Grooming

Regularly brush your dog’s coat, especially after walks, to remove any seeds that may have attached to their fur.

3. Pay Attention

Watch your dog closely while in the yard and out on walks— especially where they are sniffing. Keep them leashed at all times, so you can lead them away from patches of the weed.

4. Inspect Your Dog

After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your dog’s paws, ears, nose, mouth, private parts, underneath the collar and coat for any signs of foxtail seeds.

5. Keep Your Yard Clean

Maintain your yard by mowing the grass and removing any foxtail weeds to reduce the risk of exposure.

What to Do If Your Dog is Exposed

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to foxtail, it’s important to act quickly!!

Check your dog for any visible signs of foxtail seeds and try to remove them if they are accessible and not deeply embedded. You can gently pull them out with a pair of tweezers – and if you cannot remove them you will need the help of your veterinarian. If you are able to remove from the skin, make sure to wash with antibacterial soap and rinse with water afterwards. If the seeds are embedded in the throat, nasal passages, or other sensitive areas, they may need to be surgically removed.

Conclusion

Foxtail weed is more than just a nuisance; it is a hidden danger that can cause significant harm to dogs.

By being aware of the risks and taking preventive measures, dog owners can help ensure their furry friends remain safe and healthy. Regular checks, grooming, and prompt veterinary care are crucial to mitigating the dangers posed by this seemingly innocuous plant.