Grass awns are grass seeds which are sharp sometimes barbed and have the capability to burrow into the skin of our dogs.
Grass awns and dogs.
Grass awns from weeds like cheatgrass and foxtail first become attached to a dog s coat while running or walking through these tall grasses.
The problem with grass awns is that they are difficult to be located.
Pretty much any contact a dog has with grass awns is potentially hazardous.
Grass with sharp hygroscopic seeds are common in sa with many grasses producing these so called awns during summer and early winter.
Grass awns can penetrate the skin says dr.
Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of grass seeds and awns.
Grass awns can be inhaled swallowed and even penetrate the dog s skin.
Grass awns are deadly dangerous for your dog.
Also known as grass awns these backward pointing barbs typically fall off long wild grass barley and rye and embed themselves in a dog s paws ears armpits tail or skin sometimes causing painful wounds and infections.
Dogs are especially at risk if they have longer coats with a thick undercoat although any animal can be at risk.
Worst case scenarios with grass awns.
Not only can these burrow into the skin but these seeds have the.
It is when they are not quickly removed by the owner or expelled by the animal that they become problematic.
Should you spot the grass awn make sure to remove it as quickly as you can.
Like many other issues the real danger to dogs suffering from grass awns is a lack of action on the part of the owner.
Grass seeds and awns are plant fibers that can penetrate your dog s skin and migrate into the tissues.
Once these issues become serious it takes little time for them to become serious if not life threatening.