Most of us don’t need another thing to worry about, but here is something dog owners must know: Foxtail grass is dangerous.

Sharp spear-tip ends on the foxtail seed spikelets allow them to enter any orifice on a pet’s body. Once they penetrate the skin, feather-like projections facilitate movement underneath, making them difficult to locate and, like a fish hook, tough to remove. These little seed cases are often not easy to see.

This type of grass thrives during spring and early summer. When the grass dries out, it detaches from the part it once grew from and that is when it is a real danger. Passing animals (including humans) make an ideal way for the seeds to spread, as they cling fiendishly to clothing or fur.

The seed spikes can enter any facial opening, they are also found between the toes and in the anus or genitalia. They can work their way through thick fur. Really nasty, nasty little buggers– besides great discomfort, they can cause severe infections, deformation, and sometimes, death. One of the more significant dangers is if they get inhaled into the respiratory system. They can also be ingested by dogs who eat grass or lick the seed from their coat. Don’t hesitate to get immediate veterinary care if you suspect a foxtail issue.

Symptoms: If you discover unexplained swelling anywhere on your animal, or blood or pus discharge from any area; excessive sneezing; pawing at the snout, eyes, or ears; any of these can be danger signs. Also, watch for repeated licking or chewing or unexplained limping. Signs of infection can be lethargy and loss of appetite.

Cats, dogs, and livestock are all susceptible to injury from foxtail grasses. My parents had a cat, Tommy, who lived for nearly twenty years with a severely deformed nose because of a foxtail he inhaled as a young kitty. Check any animal’s coat and feet during foxtail season if they have been outdoors in an area that might have this dangerous weed.

Foxtail is an invasive weed that occurs in the western states but is found more and more often nationwide. We find three species of foxtail grass in the Pacific Northwest: yellow foxtail, green foxtail, and bristly foxtail. There are over 100 species in the setaria genus of grasses and they all have bristly spikelets. The entire group are refereed to as foxtail or bristle grasses. These three species are the ones we are on guard for in the Puget Sound area, but any bristle grass we come upon wherever we roam can cause problems for our pets.

What to do? If your dog has signs of foxtail penetration or you see embedded spikelets, take them to the vet immediately. Removal is difficult and requires special tools. Also home removal increases risk of infection.

If you have foxtail grass on your property: You will probably find that cutting or mowing before they go to seed doesn’t help—they will likely just form seed heads closer to the ground. Pulling them out is the best treatment. If this is impractical due to size of the infestation, another solution may be to plant a quick and close-growing ground cover to crowd them out.  Water deeply but infrequently: over-watering encourages foxtail growth.

To our great fortune, although they are found all along the coast, we don’t have a particularly huge amount of these grasses in the Puget Sound area–yet. We do have them right here in downtown Arlington WA, though! It seems similar to the tick situation, a growing threat which may become more and more of a nuisance and danger in our lives. If you see these grasses growing in your neighborhood, please pull them up or alert someone who can eradicate them. Also, carefully check your dog after playing in a grassy field or walking anywhere they may encounter these seed spikelets. We all need to have eagle eyes going forward.

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Selected Sources:

• blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/foxtails
• hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-foxtail-green-yellow-bristly-setaria-spp/
• beta.floranorthamerica.org/Setaria
• coastviewvet.com/fighting-foxtails-keeping-your-pet-safe-this-foxtail-season
• seattledogspot.com/foxtail-grass

_{Foxtail image: MabelAmber on pixabay}