If you walk your dog anywhere in Palm Desert, foxtail season is worth paying attention to. These small, spiky plant seeds show up on trails, in yards, and along the edges of sidewalks, and they can cause real problems for dogs. A quick check after a walk often makes the difference between a minor annoyance and a painful injury.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are the seed heads of certain grasses and desert weeds. They are shaped like tiny arrows, with barbs that let them move in one direction: forward. Once a foxtail attaches to your dog’s fur or skin, those barbs make it very hard for the seed to back out on its own.
You will often see them dry out and turn brown in late spring and summer, which is when they become most likely to catch on a passing dog.
Why Foxtails Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
The danger is not the foxtail itself, but where it can end up. Because the barbs only travel forward, a foxtail can work its way into the skin and keep moving deeper. From there it can become embedded and lead to infection or other complications.
Foxtails can lodge in sensitive areas such as the:
- Paws and the spaces between the toes
- Ears
- Nose
- Eyes
- Skin, especially in the armpits and groin
Once a foxtail is embedded, it usually will not come out without help, and the area can become swollen or painful.
Common Signs of Foxtails in Dogs
Dogs often tell you something is wrong through their behavior. Watch for:
- Constant licking or chewing at a paw or one spot on the body
- Sudden, repeated sneezing after a walk
- Head shaking or pawing at an ear
- Squinting, watering, or rubbing at an eye
- A small swollen bump, sometimes with discharge
Any of these signs after time outdoors is a good reason to take a closer look.
Where Foxtails Often Get Stuck
The most common spots are the places that touch the ground or brush against plants. Check between the toes and paw pads first, since foxtails easily hide there. Then look inside the ears, around the nose and mouth, and through the fur on the belly, armpits, and groin. Long-haired and curly-coated dogs need an extra careful look, because foxtails disappear into thick fur.
How to Check Your Dog After Walks
A short check after each walk goes a long way during foxtail season:
- Run your hands over your dog’s whole body and feel for burrs or small bumps
- Spread the toes apart and look between each one
- Lift the ears and check inside
- Brush through longer fur, especially on the legs and underside
- Remove any foxtails you can see on the surface of the coat right away
If a foxtail is only sitting on the fur, you can gently remove it. If it looks embedded in the skin, or your dog is in pain, it is safer to let a veterinarian handle it.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Some foxtail problems need professional care. Contact a veterinarian or an urgent veterinary care provider if your dog:
- Keeps licking, chewing, or scratching at the same spot
- Has a swollen, red, or draining area
- Sneezes repeatedly, shakes its head, or paws at an ear or eye
- Seems painful, restless, or unwell after being outside
Trying to dig out an embedded foxtail at home can push it deeper or cause more irritation, so it is best to leave that to a trained team.
Foxtail season is a normal part of desert life, and a little awareness keeps it manageable. Regular after-walk checks, quick removal of any foxtails you find, and a call to your veterinarian when something looks wrong will help your dog stay comfortable and safe.
If you think your dog may have a foxtail injury or is showing concerning symptoms, contact Veterinary Urgent Care of the Desert. Our team is here to help when your pet needs care.