This weed can cause a world of pain

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A potential danger for you dog is growing in your backyard and along your hiking trial. Foxtails might be any number of grasses with needle-like seed heads.

After a spectacularly wet winter and a mild, unusually long growing season this year, foxtails are still standing -- and at their most problematic: dry and brittle. The seeds are primed to embed themselves in your dog.

Check out Emily Green’s full guide to foxtails at The Times’ Home blog.

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Photo: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times.