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Full Version: Foxtail alert! They are dangerous to dogs.
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Foxtails are a grassy weed whose seeds are very dangerous to dogs. If they try to eat them,  they end up stuck in the mouth or throat. In some cases they can migrate deeper into the body and do serious damage. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatche...-1.5693589

Once you suspect foxtails a visit to the vet is necessary. I guess I grew up knowing foxtails are dangerous, They are spikey and barbed.
I think with plants, if you are not sure, it is best to keep your dogs away from them. There are other plants out there that can cause trouble.
Let dogs stick to nibbling grass and leave the bigger weeds alone.
I have heard of this previously, but it is not always easy to supervise your dog 100% of the time when outdoors (e.g. on off-lead walks or in the garden - which Americans I believe call the "back yard"). However, it pays to be very vigilant and observe carefully what your dog is doing. The danger from foxtail ingestion is real.

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You are right. It is not possible to supervise a dog 100% of the time. It would however help to be aware of which plants are dangerous and know if they are present in your own back yard/back garden.  If you know the plants are there, you can be more careful. If your dog seems off in any way you know what could possibly be wrong.