Foxtail on the lake might sound like a peaceful image, but for pet owners, it’s a hidden danger waiting to cause trouble. Those fluffy-looking grasses that line the shorelines can actually be a serious threat to your dog’s health. Foxtails may look harmless, but their seed-like structure can burrow into your dog’s skin, ears, nose, or even eyes—causing infections, discomfort, and sometimes surgery. With foxtail season peaking in spring and summer, it’s more important than ever to understand what you’re dealing with when you see foxtail on the lake.

If you’ve ever taken your dog for a walk near a lake, you might not have noticed those tall, thin stalks swaying in the breeze. But those are likely foxtails, and they’re everywhere. They grow quickly, especially in dry, open areas—like the edges of lakes and hiking trails. The thing is, not every foxtail is dangerous, but enough of them are that you can’t afford to ignore them. And once they get into your dog’s fur or body, they don’t come out easily.

So what exactly is a foxtail? Well, it’s a type of grass, but not the soft kind you want your dog to roll around in. Foxtails get their name from the bushy, fox-tail-like shape of their seed heads. These seeds are sharp and barbed, which makes them easy to stick to your dog’s coat or get lodged in sensitive areas. If you see foxtail on the lake, you should keep a close eye on your pet—and maybe even avoid the area altogether.

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Table of Contents

• What Is Foxtail?
• Why Is Foxtail Dangerous for Dogs?
• Where Is Foxtail Found?
• How to Prevent Foxtail Injuries
• Removing Foxtails From Your Dog
• How to Get Rid of Foxtail
• FAQs

What Is Foxtail?

Foxtail is a common name for several types of grasses that grow wild across the U.S., especially in the western states. These plants have bushy seed heads that look kind of like a fox’s tail—hence the name. The seeds are sharp and have tiny barbs, which help them stick to animals, shoes, or clothing. Once they attach, they tend to keep going deeper into the skin or body, making them hard to remove without help.

Foxtails grow quickly in the spring and reach full height by early summer. They thrive in dry, open spaces like fields, trails, and yes—right along the edges of lakes and ponds. The problem with foxtail on the lake is that it’s easy to overlook until it’s too late. Dogs love to explore grassy areas near water, and that’s where the danger often starts.

While not all foxtail plants are harmful, the ones that are can cause big problems. So if you're wondering, “what is foxtail?”—think of it as a sneaky little weed that looks innocent but can pack a punch.

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Why Is Foxtail Dangerous for Dogs?

If you’ve ever had a foxtail stuck in your sock after a hike, you know how annoying it can be. Now imagine that happening to your dog, but instead of coming off with a little shake, it keeps going deeper into their skin or body. That’s the real danger of foxtail on the lake and other outdoor areas.

Here’s how it works: the barbed seeds catch onto your dog’s fur. Once they’re on your pet, they start moving—sometimes into their ears, nose, eyes, or even between their toes. Once inside, they can’t back out, and they keep pushing forward, causing irritation, infection, and sometimes serious health issues. In some cases, dogs have had to undergo surgery just to remove a single foxtail.

Common signs that your dog has picked up a foxtail include:

• Excessive sneezing or nasal discharge
• Head shaking or ear scratching
• Limping or licking a paw
• Squinting or redness in the eye
• Swelling or pain in any area

If you notice any of these, it’s best to get your dog checked out right away. Early removal can prevent a small issue from turning into a big one.

Where Is Foxtail Found?

Foxtail is mostly found in the western half of the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s not a concern elsewhere. You’ll typically see it in dry, open spaces—fields, roadsides, hiking trails, and yes, along lakeshores. The foxtail on the lake is especially tricky because it blends in with the surrounding grass and looks harmless.

These weeds start growing in early spring and are at their peak in June and July. Once the plants dry out, the seeds break off easily, waiting for a passing dog—or person—to hitch a ride. The seeds don’t care where they end up; they just keep moving. So if you're planning a lakeside adventure with your pup, it’s a good idea to know what to look for.

Some common places where foxtail grows near lakes include:

• Along the water’s edge
• In tall grass near picnic areas
• Along dirt paths and trails

If you see tall, thin grasses with bushy seed heads, those are likely foxtails. Stay away and keep your dog on a leash to be safe.

How to Prevent Foxtail Injuries

Preventing foxtail injuries starts with awareness. If you know foxtail is around, you can take steps to avoid it—and protect your dog from the trouble it can cause. Here are some simple but effective ways to prevent foxtail injuries:

1. Trim your dog’s coat—especially during foxtail season. Shorter fur makes it easier to spot and remove any seeds before they get under the skin.
2. Keep your dog on a leash when walking near foxtail-prone areas like lakes, trails, or overgrown fields. This helps you control where they go and what they sniff.
3. Check your dog after every outing. Run your hands through their fur, check between the toes, under the armpits, and around the ears and eyes.
4. Avoid walking through tall grass whenever possible. Stick to clear paths and avoid the edges where foxtails are most likely to grow.
5. Know the signs of a foxtail injury so you can act quickly. The sooner you spot a problem, the easier it is to fix.

Taking these steps can make a big difference in keeping your dog safe from foxtail on the lake and beyond.

Removing Foxtails From Your Dog

If you find a foxtail on your dog’s fur, the best thing to do is remove it right away. Use your fingers or tweezers to grab the seed and pull it out gently. But if the seed has already worked its way into your dog’s skin, ear, or nose, it’s best to see a vet. Trying to remove it yourself could cause more harm than good.

Here’s how to tell if a foxtail is under the skin:

• Swelling or redness in one spot
• Constant licking or biting of a specific area
• Limping or favoring one paw
• Sneezing or nasal discharge from one side
• Head shaking or ear scratching

If you notice any of these, don’t wait—get your dog checked out. Vets have tools and experience to safely remove foxtails before they cause deeper damage.

How to Get Rid of Foxtail

Getting rid of foxtail in your yard or around your lake house takes a little effort, but it’s worth it. You can use either chemical or organic methods, but the key is to act early before the plants go to seed. Once the seeds mature, they’ll spread and come back next year.

Here are some common ways to control foxtail:

• Pre-emergent herbicides—These are applied in early spring before foxtail seeds sprout. They stop the seeds from germinating, which keeps new plants from growing.
• Post-emergent herbicides—Use these after foxtail plants are already growing. They work best on young plants, so timing is important.
• Manual removal—Pulling foxtail by hand or with a weeding tool is a natural way to get rid of it. Do this before the plants flower to avoid spreading seeds.
• Preventative care—Once foxtail is gone, keep it from coming back by maintaining a healthy lawn. Thick grass makes it harder for foxtail to grow, so overseed and fertilize regularly.

You can learn more about on our site for tips on natural weed control and pet-safe gardening.

FAQs

Can foxtail kill a dog?

In rare cases, yes. If a foxtail makes its way deep into a dog’s body—like the lungs or brain—it can cause serious infections or even death. That’s why it’s so important to act fast if you think your dog has picked up a foxtail.

What does foxtail look like?

Foxtail has long, thin blades of grass with a bushy seed head that looks like a fox’s tail. The seeds are sharp and barbed, making them easy to attach to fur or skin.

How do I know if my dog has a foxtail in its nose?

If your dog is sneezing a lot, especially on one side, or has nasal discharge, it could mean a foxtail is stuck in their nose. Other signs include pawing at the face or shaking the head violently.

For more information on foxtail on the lake and how to protect your pets, check out our page on . You can also find helpful tips and resources from Pet Poison Helpline.