How to Remove Foxtails From Your Dog’s Ears and Nose in California

French bulldog in foxtail field.

Southern California is a dream in September, especially for dog parents. The sun is out, and the heat has abated, which leaves conditions ideal for getting outside with our precious pets. But every year, veterinarians in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and beyond get reports of foxtail injuries in dogs.

Foxtails are plants of the genus Hordeum and several related annual grasses. Their sharp, barbed tips can burrow through your pup’s fur and into her skin—or worse, straight into your dog’s moist nose or delicate ears. Ouch! From there, the foxtails can burrow even deeper, potentially causing internal problems.

What can pet parents do to keep their furry family members from foxtails during a California September? The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital shares our best tips for prevention and treatment of this thorny threat.

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