# Foxtail Grass Awns – The Invisible Threat to Dogs!
_Published: July 5, 2025_
> Season: from May to September.
FOXTAIL GRASS – A GUIDE FOR EVERY DOG OWNER
Season – from May to September
Where to look, what to do
You can save your pet from pain and surgery!
Here's what to watch out for!
Foxtail grass
Hordeum murinum, wild barley, or foxtail
is a serious danger to dogs! This plant can cause severe infections, pain, and even surgery.
DO YOU SEE THIS ON YOUR DOG?
Learn how to recognize the danger
It's a serious danger to dogs! This plant can cause severe infections, pain, and even surgery.
WHAT IS FOXTAIL GRASS?
These are sharp, dry grass spikes that easily catch on a dog's fur and burrow under the skin or into body openings. It's not easy to notice until a problem develops!
WHERE CAN FOXTAIL GRASS GET IN?
- EARS
- PAWS (between the toes)
- NOSE
- EYE
- SKIN (under the fur)
- Genitals
FOXTAIL IN THE EAR
Symptoms:
- The dog suddenly shakes its head
- Tilts its head to one side
- Whines when the ear is touched
See a vet immediately – the awn can perforate the eardrum!
FOXTAIL IN THE PAW
Symptoms:
- The dog licks or bites at its paw
- Limps or refuses to put weight on the leg
- Swelling, redness, a wound
If not removed in time, it can cause an abscess! See a vet immediately
FOXTAIL IN THE NOSE
Symptoms:
- Sudden sneezing
- Nosebleeds
- Rubbing at the muzzle
See a vet immediately – it can lodge deep in the nasal passages – dangerous without treatment!
FOXTAIL IN THE EYE
Symptoms:
- Watery eye
- Redness, swelling
- The dog keeps its eye closed or scratches at it
It can damage the cornea – see a vet quickly!
UNDER THE SKIN / FUR
Symptoms:
- An unexplained wound or a pus-filled abscess
- The dog keeps licking the same spot
- Sensitivity to touch
A vet has to remove the foreign object – don't try it yourself!
FOXTAIL IN THE GENITAL AREA
Risk areas:
- Around the penis or prepuce in males
- Around the vulva in females
- In the anal area
Symptoms:
- The dog persistently licks or bites at the genital area
- Redness, swelling, or discharge
- Pain when sitting or urinating
- Whining or unusual behavior during toileting
Do NOT try to remove it yourself – genital tissue is sensitive and easily injured. A vet has to check it!
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM FOXTAIL GRASS?
- Avoid meadows and dry grass during the season
- Check your dog after every walk (ears, paws, muzzle)
- Regularly trim longer fur on the paws and belly
If you suspect foxtail grass – go to the vet right away!
