With the browning spring grass, foxtail season begins. Foxtail is the common name for grasses that produce a certain kind of flower structure.

Multiple species of grass can create this type of seed pod, and foxtails are found across much of the United States. Regions of the western U.S., especially California, have the most foxtails.

Richter explained that foxtail grass seeds can burrow anywhere on a dog, including the nose, ears and feet.

The grasses that cause the most problem are cheat grass, foxtail barley, cenchrus species, creeping foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and needle grass (Stipa species) among others, he said.

Pet owners are being warned of deadly seed infections this summer as the changeable British weather has brought an abundance of long grass.

Multiple species of grass can create this type of seed pod, and foxtails are found across much of the United States. Regions of the western U.S., especially California, have the most foxtails.

Multiple species of grass can create this type of seed pod, and foxtails are found across much of the United States. Regions of the western U.S., especially California, have the most foxtails.

Despite the cute name, these unassuming grass seed pod can pose a major threat to your pet’s health.