Foxtail Season in the Bay Area: How to Protect Your Dog (and How Grooming Helps)

Every Bay Area dog owner learns about foxtails eventually, usually the hard way. These grass seeds are shaped like tiny arrows that only move one direction: forward. Once one gets into your dog's fur, it can work its way into a paw, ear or nose. Here's how to stay ahead of them.

When is foxtail season in the Bay Area?

Foxtail grasses grow green in early spring, then dry out to tan and brown, which is when the seed heads break off and stick to everything. Dry foxtails are around from late spring through summer and often into fall, along trails, open fields, empty lots and the edges of parks. Risk tends to peak in the summer months.

Where foxtails hide on your dog

• Between the toes (the most common spot, and the hardest to see)
• Inside the ears
• Nose and eyes, especially for dogs that sniff through tall grass
• Armpits, groin and under the tail
• Long feathering on the legs and belly

How grooming helps

Grooming can't make foxtails disappear, but it removes the places they love to hide:

• Paw trims. Neatly trimmed fur between the toes and pads gives foxtails less to grab, and makes them easier to spot.
• Ear tidy. Trimming the hair around the ear opening helps, especially for spaniels and doodles.
• A shorter summer cut for long or curly coats means fewer hiding places and faster checks after a hike. Many owners switch to a shorter puppy cut from late spring to fall.
• Feathering trims on the legs, belly and tail of Goldens, setters and similar breeds.

Your after-walk foxtail check (2 minutes)

• Spread the toes on all four paws and look between the pads.
• Look inside both ears and run your fingers around the ear base.
• Check the eyes and nose.
• Run a comb through the armpits, belly, tail and legs.

Signs to call your vet

If a foxtail may have gone in, don't try to dig it out. Call your veterinarian right away if you notice sudden, repeated sneezing; head shaking or pawing at an ear; squinting or a watery eye; constant licking of one paw; or a swelling or small wound between the toes. Foxtails can travel deeper over time, so quick action matters.

Ready for foxtail season?

We trim paws, tidy ears and do short summer cuts right in your driveway, anywhere in our Bay Area service area. Doodle owners: our doodle grooming guide covers the best low-maintenance cuts. Book online in about 2 minutes.