The term “foxtail” is not the name of a single plant but a general reference to the barbed, bristly seed heads, or awns, of several different types of grasses. These awns pose a serious and often hidden hazard to companion animals and livestock as they easily attach to fur and can penetrate the body. Texas is home to multiple grass species whose seeds behave like the notorious foxtail, confirming that pet owners in the state must remain vigilant against this threat. This danger is concentrated in the dry, matured seed heads, making late spring and summer the most problematic seasons for exposure. Understanding the specific species present and the mechanism of injury is necessary for Texans to effectively mitigate the risk.
Foxtail Species and Distribution in Texas
The most common problematic species found in Texas lawns and disturbed areas is Yellow Foxtail, scientifically known as Setaria pumila. This grass, along with Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis), are common summer annuals across the state that produce the characteristic bushy, spiky seed heads. While these Setaria species are widespread, other grasses, including certain types of wild barley or cheatgrass, can also develop similarly dangerous, barbed awns.
These grasses thrive in various environments, including well-maintained turf, neglected roadsides, ditches, and pastures throughout Texas. They quickly colonize areas with disturbed soil, urban edges, and rural fields. Yellow Foxtail is frequently found in lawns with high nitrogen levels. The distribution of these species means that animals across the Central, East, Gulf Coast, and Panhandle regions are potentially at risk during the growing season.
Understanding the Threat to Pets and Livestock
The danger from foxtail awns stems directly from their unique physical structure, which is designed for soil penetration and seed dispersal. Each seed head is covered in tiny, stiff barbs that act like the fletching on an arrow, allowing the awn to only move forward when it contacts fur or skin. This barbed structure prevents the seed from being expelled or backing out once it has begun to burrow.
As the animal moves, the awn can migrate deeply into soft tissue or body cavities, causing significant trauma and carrying surface bacteria internally. Common entry points include the ears, where they cause intense irritation and infection, and the nose, leading to persistent sneezing and discharge. The awns can also penetrate the skin between a dog’s toes, causing painful abscesses and lameness as they burrow deeper into the paw.
If inhaled, an awn can migrate into the lungs, potentially causing severe respiratory distress, abscesses, or pyothorax. Because the material does not dissolve, a lodged foxtail will continue to travel, sometimes reaching distant organs or even the spinal cord. Livestock, such as cattle and horses, risk irritation and ulceration in the mouth and digestive tract from consuming contaminated hay or forage.
Identification and Management for Property Owners
Property owners can begin management by learning to visually identify the specific foxtail species common in their area before the seed heads dry out and harden. Foxtails are clump-forming summer annuals that produce a fuzzy or bushy seed head resembling a fox’s tail at the top of an upright stem. Yellow Foxtail is often identifiable by the long, silky hairs found near the base of its leaf blades, whereas Green Foxtail leaves are typically smooth.
Mechanical Control
The most effective prevention strategy is controlling the plant before seed heads mature in late spring and summer. This involves frequent mowing of lawns and pastures to keep the grass short and prevent seed heads from forming. For smaller infestations, manually pulling the plants is effective, provided the entire root system is removed.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is an option, utilizing pre-emergent herbicides in early spring before seeds germinate (when soil temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit). Post-emergent herbicides, such as those containing metsulfuron methyl, can be used on actively growing plants. Caution is necessary when applying chemicals around pets.
Post-Exposure Checks
If an animal has been in an area with dry foxtails, pet owners must immediately check the ears, nose, paws, and entire coat for attached awns. Seek veterinary attention immediately if any signs of embedment are present.