Foxtails and Dogs in Marin: What Owners Need to Know
Marin is a pretty wonderful place to be a dog.
There are trails to explore, open spaces to sniff, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. But during the warmer, drier months, all that exploring comes with one small hazard that's easy to overlook: foxtails.
They may look like harmless pieces of dried grass, but foxtails can cause surprisingly serious problems for dogs.
And unlike a burr that simply gets caught in your dog's coat, a foxtail can work its way into the body and become increasingly difficult to remove.
What Exactly Is a Foxtail?
Foxtails are the barbed seed heads of certain grasses.
Their shape allows them to move in one direction—which is great for helping seeds travel, but not so great when one becomes attached to your dog.
A foxtail can catch in fur and then work its way into the skin. Dogs can also inhale them through the nose, get them in their ears or eyes, or pick them up between their toes. Once embedded, they can continue moving deeper into the tissue rather than simply working their way back out.
Where Should You Check Your Dog?
After walks, hikes, or time around dry grass, give your dog a quick once-over.
Pay particular attention to:
Between the toes and around the paw pads
Inside and around the ears
Around the eyes
Nose and muzzle
Armpits
Groin area
Under the collar
Anywhere foxtails could be hiding in longer or thicker fur
Dogs with long or curly coats can make foxtails particularly difficult to spot, so running your hands through the coat and brushing after outdoor adventures can help.
Regular inspection after walks and hikes is one of the simplest ways to catch and remove foxtails before they cause problems.
Signs a Foxtail May Be Causing Trouble
Sometimes you'll actually see the foxtail.
Other times, your dog's behavior may be the first clue.
Depending on where the foxtail has gone, watch for things like:
Repeated sneezing
Pawing at the nose or face
Shaking or tilting the head
Scratching at an ear
Squinting or excessive tearing
Repeatedly licking or chewing a paw
Redness or swelling
Coughing
Signs of discomfort while eating or drinking
A tender bump or draining wound
The symptoms can vary considerably depending on where the foxtail is located.
Don't Wait If You Suspect a Foxtail
A foxtail sitting loosely on top of your dog's coat can be removed before it becomes a problem.
An embedded foxtail is different.
Because foxtails can penetrate the skin and enter the ears, eyes, nose, or mouth—and can cause infection and more serious complications—prompt veterinary care is important when you suspect one has become embedded.
If your dog suddenly starts sneezing repeatedly after running through dry grass, begins shaking an ear, develops a swollen paw, or shows another unusual symptom after an outdoor adventure, don't assume it will simply resolve on its own.
Call your veterinarian.
A Few Minutes of Prevention Can Make a Big Difference
You don't need to stop enjoying Marin's trails and outdoor spaces.
A few simple habits can reduce the risk:
Avoid areas with heavy dry grass and visible foxtails when possible.
Keep your dog on maintained paths rather than letting them run through tall, dry vegetation.
Check paws, ears, face, and coat after outdoor adventures.
Brush longer-haired dogs thoroughly.
Remove loose foxtails from the coat as soon as you find them.
Keep grassy areas around your home maintained.
Marin Humane specifically recommends checking your dog's coat after walks and hikes, maintaining grassy areas, and avoiding overgrown areas during walks.
Make the Post-Walk Check a Habit
Most of us already have a routine when we get home from an adventure with our dogs.
Water. Maybe a snack. Possibly a muddy-paw cleanup.
During foxtail season, add one more thing to the list: the foxtail check.
It takes only a couple of minutes, and catching one before it becomes embedded can save your dog a lot of discomfort—and potentially a trip to the veterinarian.
At Marin Canine Club, we're big believers in letting dogs play, explore, sniff, and enjoy being dogs.
We just want them to do it safely.
So enjoy everything Marin has to offer—and when you get home, check those paws.
