Grass Awns: What They Are and Why They’re Dangerous for Pets

Is Your Dog Sniffing Out Danger? The Risk of Grass Awns in South Florida

Watching your dog or cat explore the backyard or trot down a local trail is one of the joys of pet ownership. But here in South Florida, hidden dangers can lurk in overgrown areas, especially in dry or weedy patches. Grass awns, sometimes called foxtails or spear grass,  look harmless- but these barbed seeds can quickly turn a day of play into a medical emergency.

At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we focus on prevention, early detection, and compassionate care for pets who encounter these hidden hazards.

What Are Grass Awns?

Grass awns are sharp, barbed seed heads from certain wild grasses. Nature designed them to burrow into soil for growth, but unfortunately, they burrow just as easily into a pet’s skin, nose, ears, or eyes. Once attached, the barbs only allow movement in one direction: forward. This drives them deeper with every shake, scratch, or step.

Why Grass Awns Are So Risky

Once embedded, a grass awn can create painful wounds or abscesses under the skin, then continue migrating deeper into the body. As they move, they carry bacteria and leave behind fragments that cause infections requiring antibiotics or even surgery.

In some pets, the awns burrow into the chest or abdomen and damage vital organs, while those lodged in the ears can rupture the eardrum and cause chronic pain. When they reach the eyes, they may lead to conjunctivitis or even corneal ulcers that threaten vision, and if inhaled, they can trigger severe respiratory infections.

How Grass Awns Progress to Emergencies

You may notice swelling or abscesses that ooze pus, fever, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Breathing difficulties occur if the awn reaches nasal passages or lungs, and neurological signs can appear if it migrates toward the spine. The farther it travels, the harder it becomes to locate and remove – and the more extensive and costly the treatment. That is why early detection makes all the difference.

Where to Look: Trouble Spots and Symptoms

The signs you’ll see at home often depend on where the awn lodged.

Keeping ears and paws clean with the hair trimmed short makes it easier to catch awns early. Pets at highest risk include dogs that run through grassy fields – particularly long-haired breeds or those with floppy ears- as well as curious outdoor cats that love exploring thick vegetation.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Boca Midtowne

If you suspect a foxtail injury, don’t wait. At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, our team begins with a full exam and a discussion of where your pet has been recently. Diagnostics may include:

• Careful inspection of high-risk areas
• Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to locate deeper awns
• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI) if migration into the chest, abdomen, or spine is suspected

In most cases, removal requires sedation or general anesthesia. Grass awns can lodge deep inside an ear canal, slip under an eyelid, hide between the toes, or burrow into nasal passages. Pets need to be still and pain-free so we can thoroughly search and remove the entire awn. Because these barbed seeds carry bacteria and often break apart, infection is almost guaranteed unless all fragments are removed and antibiotics are started.

Treatment plans may include:

• Sedation or anesthesia for removal
• Antibiotics and pain relief for infection and inflammation
• Wound care for abscesses or draining tracts
• Supportive therapies like cold laser therapy to reduce swelling and speed healing

Prevention Tips for South Florida Pet Owners

Grass awns thrive in dry, overgrown spaces, so prevention starts with avoiding risky areas.

Before Outdoor Play

• Skip weedy fields, construction lots, and unmaintained trails
• Use protective gear such as snoods or booties; products like Outfox gear are designed for this purpose
• Keep your yard trimmed and free of wild grasses
• Keep your pet’s fur trimmed short around the face, ears, and paws

After Outdoor Play

• Brush pets thoroughly- be sure you are brushing the fur close to the skin
• Check paws, ears, groin, and underarms closely. Flip the paws over, and check between toes.
• Practice cooperative care so your pet is relaxed during these checks- reward their good behavior.

Need help with bathing your dog or checking for foxtails? The Resort at Boca Midtowne offers bathing, nail trims, and more.

Concierge-Level Support When You Need It

Because grass awn injuries can escalate quickly, many families appreciate the peace of mind that comes with our Concierge Veterinary Care Membership. The program offers benefits like priority appointments, after-hours consults, and direct access to our veterinary team. It’s not required for care, but it’s an added layer of reassurance when unexpected problems arise.

FAQs About Grass Awns

Are cats at risk?
 Yes. Outdoor cats, especially those who hide in tall grass, are just as vulnerable.

Do foxtails come out on their own?
 Almost never. The barbed design makes them migrate deeper, not out. Veterinary removal is required.

Can they be life-threatening?
 Yes. If an awn reaches the lungs, chest cavity, or spinal canal, the infection can be severe and even fatal.

How do I know if my pet has one?
 Watch for sudden head shaking, sneezing, limping, or new swellings. The sooner you act, the easier the treatment.

Keeping Outdoor Fun Safe

Grass awns may look like ordinary seeds, but the problems they cause can be anything but ordinary. They can turn a simple backyard adventure into weeks of pain, infection, and costly treatment. The best way to protect your pet is with prevention: regular grooming to catch seeds before they burrow, close checks of ears, paws, and eyes after outdoor play, and quick veterinary care at the first sign of trouble.

At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, our Fear Free approach ensures that pets are treated with compassion and minimal stress, whether we’re performing a simple ear exam or carefully removing an awn under anesthesia.

If you notice swelling, persistent sneezing, painful ears, or unexplained limping after your pet has been outside, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact us right away or request an appointment online. A timely check could prevent a small seed from becoming a very big problem.