The seed resembles a fox's tail, hence the name given to the grass. Once foxtail grasses dry out, the seed detaches easily and sticks readily to clothing and fur. It's most common for a foxtail seed to enter a dog's body through the skin, nose, ears, paws, and eyes. Cases have even been reported of foxtails being lodged in male dogs' urethra. Foxtail seeds are relatively small, so detecting them once they enter a dog's body can be difficult.
Vets usually rely on telltale symptoms.
Foxtail seeds in the ears, nose, and eyes are very serious and can ultimately be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly. If a foxtail seed has been inhaled and lodged in the nasal cavity , the dog will sneeze repeatedly and violently, often banging their nose on the floor with each sneeze in a futile attempt to dislodge the seed. It is often possible to sedate the animal, locate the seed with an otoscope, and remove it using special forceps. If a foxtail seed is lodged in the paw or under the coat , a lump will usually form that is painful to touch. Depending on how deep the foxtail seed has travelled, they can usually be surgically removed.