Foxtail or Foreign Object Stuck in a Dog's Nose
A foxtail is the dry, pointed tip of certain wild grasses. Its backward-pointing barbs allow it to move in only one direction: once it enters a nostril, it tends to work deeper rather than come back out. When a dog sniffs at the ground, it...
What is it?
A foxtail is the dry, pointed tip of certain wild grasses. Its backward-pointing barbs allow it to move in only one direction: once it enters a nostril, it tends to work deeper rather than come back out.
When a dog sniffs at the ground, it can inhale a foxtail, or another small object. The dog's reaction is sudden: violent, repeated sneezing, rubbing the nose with its paw or against the ground, followed by a discharge from just one nostril, sometimes tinged with blood.
This is a seasonal concern, from late spring through summer, when grasses dry out. A forgotten foxtail can maintain a nasal discharge for weeks.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Sudden onset: the dog was fine, then signs appear all at once, during or just after a walk.
Violent sneezing in bursts that does not stop.
The dog rubs its nose with its paw, rubs it against the ground, or shakes its head.
Discharge from one nostril only, initially clear, sometimes tinged with blood.
Nosebleeds during sneezing fits.
Noisy, jerky breathing through the nose with neck extended, when the foxtail has moved to the back of the nasal passages: these are called "reverse sneezes."
After a few days, the sneezing may ease even though the object is still there: a persistent one-sided discharge then remains the main sign.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The most common cause is a foxtail—the dry tip of a wild grass—inhaled while the dog sniffs the ground or runs through tall grass.
Other foreign objects can be responsible: twigs, plant matter, or small objects.
The foxtail moves in only one direction because of its barbs and can work progressively deeper into the nasal passages.
Walks in tall, dry grass from late spring through summer.
Dogs that sniff and dig at the ground frequently, hunting dogs, or working dogs.
Long-haired dogs that spend time in overgrown areas and vacant lots.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Your veterinarian will ask for details about how the signs started: a sudden onset after a walk and discharge from only one nostril strongly suggest a foreign object.
They will examine the nostrils, mouth, and back of the throat. Awned grasses are rarely visible without equipment: anesthesia is generally needed to explore the nose with a small camera (rhinoscopy) or appropriate instrument, and remove the object at the same time.
If the object is not found or if discharge has lasted a long time, imaging of the head may be recommended.
Your veterinarian will often also check the ears, eyes, and spaces between the toes, as these are other places where awned grasses can lodge.
Treatment
Treatment involves removing the foreign object, usually under anesthesia, through the nostril or back of the throat.
Once the object is removed, signs typically disappear quickly. Additional treatment may be prescribed if infection has developed.
Never attempt to remove an awned grass from your dog's nose yourself with tweezers or a cotton swab: you risk pushing it deeper and injuring the inside of the nose.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
When possible, keep your dog away from tall, dry grass from late spring through summer, and mow grassy areas of your garden.
After each walk, inspect your dog's muzzle, ears, eyes, and spaces between the toes.
For long-haired dogs, light trimming of the paws and ears during grass season makes inspection easier.
Contact your veterinarian at the first sign of violent sneezing after a walk: an awned grass removed early causes far less damage.
Possible complications
Chronic inflammation and infection of the nose if the object remains in place.
Progression of the awned grass deeper into the nose or toward the back of the throat.
Repeated nosebleeds.
Discharge from one nostril lasting for weeks, which can eventually lead to mistaken suspicion of chronic disease.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog is breathing with mouth open while at rest, or their gums or tongue are bluish: seek emergency care.
Sudden, violent, and continuous sneezing, with rubbing of the nose with a paw or against the ground: contact your veterinarian within the day.
Nosebleed during sneezing: contact your veterinarian within the day.
Sneezing began suddenly during or right after a walk through dry grass.
Nose discharge from one nostril only.
Many reverse sneezes have occurred since a walk.
Discharge from one nostril continues even though sneezing has calmed down.
Prognosis
The prognosis is very good when the foreign object is removed: signs typically disappear within a few days.
It is less favorable if the object remained in place for a long time and triggered ongoing infection, or if it progressed deeper.
Frequently asked questions
How to tell if it's a foxtail or rhinitis?
Foxtail symptoms start suddenly, during or just after a walk, with violent sneezing, a dog rubbing its nose, and discharge from a single nostril. Chronic rhinitis develops slowly, lasts for weeks, and often affects both nostrils, without a sudden onset.
Can a grass seed or foxtail come out on its own?
Sometimes, during a sneeze. But its bristles tend to make it move forward rather than backward. If the sneezing does not subside within a few hours, if the nose bleeds or if one nostril continues to run, consult a doctor.
My elderly dog has had a runny nose on just one side for weeks: is it necessarily a grass awn?
No. In an elderly dog, especially if the discharge has developed gradually, the veterinarian will also consider a nasal tumor; a discolored or painful nose pad suggests aspergillosis. A thorough examination is necessary.
Do spikelets only go up the nose?
No. They can also lodge in the ears, eyes or between the toes. A dog that shakes its head, blinks one eye or licks a paw after a walk should also be examined.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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