Foxtail grasses are a common concern for pet owners across the United States due to the unique danger posed by their seed heads. These plants, found in many environments, can cause serious health issues for dogs and cats when the seeds detach. The term “foxtail” is applied broadly to several different grass species whose seeds have a similar arrow-like structure. Understanding which specific varieties are present in Florida and how they cause injury is the first step toward protecting pets from this insidious threat.
The Geographic Reality of Harmful Foxtail Grasses
The most feared and aggressive foxtail species, such as Hordeum (Foxtail Barley) and some Bromus species common in the drier Western states, are generally not widespread or established in Florida. These grasses thrive in climates that differ significantly from Florida’s high humidity and subtropical conditions. Therefore, the acute, widespread threat seen in Western regions is not the primary concern for Florida pet owners.
Florida does, however, host several grasses that are commonly referred to as foxtails, primarily belonging to the Setaria genus, which are known as bristlegrasses. These include introduced species like Yellow and Green Foxtail, along with native varieties such as Saltmarsh Foxtail (Setaria magna). While Setaria seeds may not possess the same highly invasive, sharp barbs as their Western cousins, they still present a health risk to pets, especially in areas of high growth.
Identification of Local Florida Foxtail Varieties
The most commonly encountered foxtail-like plants in Florida are the Yellow Foxtail (Setaria pumila) and Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis), which grow as summer annual weeds. These plants thrive in disturbed soils, appearing frequently in low-maintenance lawns, agricultural fields, and along roadsides. Identifying these grasses often involves examining the seed head, which is a dense, spike-like panicle that resembles a small, bushy tail.
Yellow Foxtail
Yellow Foxtail can be distinguished by the presence of long, sparse hairs on the upper surface of the leaf blade near the base. Its cylindrical, upright seed head often takes on a yellow-green or orange-green tint as it matures, with each spikelet surrounded by between five and fifteen bristles.
Green Foxtail
Green Foxtail typically has hairless leaves and a greener, slightly broader seed head that remains erect.
How Grass Awns Cause Injury to Pets
The danger of foxtail-like grasses lies in the unique physical structure of the seed casing, known as the grass awn. This awn is a hardened, arrow-shaped tip covered in microscopic, backward-pointing barbs. This structure is designed to help the seed burrow into the ground for germination, but it becomes a serious foreign body hazard when it detaches and contacts an animal.
The barbs allow the awn to move forward through soft tissue while preventing it from backing out. Every physical movement the pet makes, such as walking, shaking its head, or breathing, drives the awn deeper into the body. Common entry points include the delicate webbing between the toes, the ear canals, the eyes, and the nasal passages.
Once embedded, the awn carries environmental bacteria into the tissue, often resulting in severe secondary infections and abscess formation. If inhaled through the nose, the awn can migrate through the respiratory tract, potentially leading to pyothorax (pus in the chest cavity) or pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity). A migrating awn can also travel deep under the skin, leaving a chronic draining sore that will not heal until the foreign body is surgically removed.
Prevention and Emergency Steps for Pet Owners
Preventing exposure to foxtail awns begins with controlling the environment and diligently checking pets after outdoor activity. Pet owners should keep their own yards mowed short, which prevents the grasses from developing their dangerous seed heads. It is also beneficial to avoid walking dogs in overgrown, tall grass areas and along weedy roadsides, especially during late spring and summer when the awns are dry and most rigid.
After any time spent outdoors, a thorough daily inspection is necessary, focusing on high-risk areas. Owners should meticulously check the fur, paying close attention to the paws, the ear flaps and canals, and the skin folds. If an awn is discovered lying on the surface of the fur or skin, it can be carefully removed with tweezers or fingers, followed by disinfection of the area.
If a pet owner suspects an awn has penetrated the skin or entered an orifice, immediate veterinary attention is mandatory. Signs like persistent head shaking, violent sneezing, excessive paw licking, or a swollen, draining lump are clear indications that a foxtail is embedded. Attempting to dig out a deeply embedded awn should be avoided, as this can break the awn or push it further into the tissue. Safe removal often requires sedation or anesthesia, and only a veterinarian can properly locate and extract the entire foreign body.