Companion Animals

Companion Dog Foxtail Grass Seed Injury Prevention

Grass awns (foxtails) cause serious and often life-threatening injuries in dogs through penetrating soft tissue migration.

Key Facts

Grass awns lodge between toes, in ears, nostrils, and eyes causing severe injury
The barbed structure allows migration through tissue causing internal abscesses
Removal often requires general anaesthesia and can be extremely difficult if migrated
Short-coated dogs are at risk but all dogs can be affected in high grass areas

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with migrating grass awns experience persistent, worsening pain and infection as the awn advances through tissues. Delayed diagnosis allows serious internal migration with potentially fatal consequences. Prevention through coat checking after walks and prompt veterinary assessment are essential.

What You Can Do

Check your dog's coat, ears, paws, and face after walks in long grass
Seek immediate veterinary assessment if a dog develops sudden head shaking or foot licking after a walk
Clip long-coated dogs' paws and ear canal entries during grass awn season