Foxtails and Toxic Plants for Dogs: What to Watch For

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Gardens and fields are full of fun smells, and a few hidden hazards that every owner should know.

What foxtails are

Foxtails are grasses with barbed seed heads, called awns, that dry out in summer in many regions. The barbs travel in one direction, so once an awn enters tissue it can keep working deeper. They can cause painful abscesses and serious internal damage.

Where foxtails lodge

• Ears: head shaking, tilting, crying. See dog ear infections
• Nose: violent sneezing, bloody discharge. See dog sneezing causes and dog nosebleeds
• Eyes: squinting, redness, discharge
• Between toes: swelling, licking, draining tracts
• Skin and coat: lumps that ooze
• Mouth and throat: gagging, coughing

What to do

1. Do not try to dig an awn out of the ear or nose with tweezers.
2. Remove visible awns from fur or paws only if easy and not embedded.
3. Contact your vet quickly, since awns often need sedation to remove.
4. Keep the dog from rubbing or licking.
5. Follow up if swelling or discharge returns.

Prevention for foxtails

• Avoid areas with dry, seeding grass in summer
• Check your dog after every walk
• Keep long-coated dogs trimmed, especially ears, feet and underbelly
• Use breathable boots or protective gear if suitable
• Mow or remove foxtails in your yard

Toxic plants

Plants vary by region, so check local lists, but examples that may poison dogs include:

• Sago palm, which can cause liver failure
• Oleander, affecting the heart
• Azalea and rhododendron
• Foxglove and lily of the valley
• Castor bean
• Yew
• Autumn crocus
• Some mushrooms, which can be deadly
• Cannabis and certain houseplants
• Bulbs, such as tulip and daffodil, which cause stomach upset and worse

Many other plants cause mild stomach upset only.

Signs of poisoning

• Drooling or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Abnormal heart rate
• Jaundice or bleeding

Signs may appear hours or days later. See dog poisoning: what to do.

If you suspect plant ingestion

1. Remove your dog from the plant.
2. Take a photo or a sample of the plant.
3. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless advised.
5. Go to a clinic if instructed.

Garden safety

Use pet-safe plants, fence off risky areas, store fertilizers and compost out of reach and avoid mulch made from cocoa shells. See are chocolate and cocoa toxic to dogs.

Walking safely

Stay on paths in unfamiliar areas, discourage eating plants or mushrooms and use a leash or reliable recall. Learn which plants grow locally.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask which plants and weeds are common hazards locally, how foxtails are removed and what to do in an emergency.

Common mistakes

• Waiting to see if an awn works its way out
• Using tweezers in ears
• Ignoring a persistent sneeze
• Assuming natural plants are safe

Troubleshooting

• My dog sneezes nonstop after a field walk: see a vet urgently.
• He chewed a houseplant: identify it and call for advice.
• A lump keeps oozing between the toes: have it checked for an embedded awn.

A simple plan

1. Avoid dry grass in season.
2. Inspect after walks.
3. Plant safe species.
4. Call early.

Real-life examples

A spaniel needs a foxtail removed from the ear under sedation. A puppy chews a sago palm and is treated promptly. A retriever's owner replaces risky plants and checks feet after every walk. Awareness prevents harm.

Know your area

Local hazards matter most, so learn them.

The takeaway

Check dogs after walks, avoid foxtail areas and know the toxic plants near you. Call for help early.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.