The City of Lethbridge says foxtail barley can be dangerous to pets. (Photo: JimCottingham | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Foxtail barley can be dangerous for dogs, warns City of Lethbridge

Jul 19, 2024 | 11:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Foxtail barley is reportedly becoming more and more of an issue in Lethbridge.

The City of Lethbridge says there has been a spike in the plant growing in various grassy areas.

While crews are doing their best to keep it at bay, the public is being reminded that it can be very dangerous to pets.

The City explains that foxtail usually matures in mid-summer, forming barbed seed heads.

“These can become extremely dangerous to dogs and other animals as they can get lodged in the skin, mouth, nose and eyes. If a dog digests these barbed seed heads, they can cause serious illness or even death,” reads a media release from the municipality.

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Some ways that you can protect your pet include:

• Avoiding areas where Foxtail and other weeds are growing
• If you must go in these areas, keep your dog on a leash at all times
• Trim the hair between your dog’s toes, around ears and their belly
• Check their coat for Foxtail and brush your dog after being outdoor
• Use a netted muzzle

Foxtail can be identified by its tufted head resembling the tail of a fox. It can grow in all soil types and moisture levels, and is adapted to dry, alkaline soil.

Through the Alberta’s Weed Control Act, Alberta Weed Regulation and the City’s Weed Control Bylaw, certain plants have been identified as noxious weeds. In Alberta, Foxtail is not designated by legislation as a noxious weed however, significant efforts are made to control the growth of Foxtail in City parks. Some of these strategies include:

• Increased irrigation in troubles areas: this helps increase the growth of grass and choke out the Foxtail that thrive in dry, hot conditions
• Chemical treatments
• Manual weed pulls
• Mowing and bagging

Since May 1, 2024, the City has received 15 service requests related to foxtail. If you identify a foxtail infestation in a city park, phone 311.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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