During walks in the countryside, especially in spring and summer, grass awns can pose a hidden threat to our pets. These small plant fragments may look harmless, but they can cause serious health problems, particularly for dogs. In this article, we explain what they are, why they’re so dangerous, how to spot them, and what you can do to prevent harm.
What Are Grass Awns?
Grass awns, also known as “foxtails” or “barbed seed heads”, are parts of grasses (such as wild wheat or wild oats) that easily break off when they dry. They have a pointed shape and tiny barbs that allow them to easily catch in an animal’s coat.
Their natural design allows them to move in only one direction, making it easy for them to pierce the skin or enter body cavities.
Why Are They Dangerous for Pets?
Although they may look harmless, grass awns can cause very painful injuries and lead to infections if they aren’t removed promptly. They can lodge in sensitive areas of the body and, as they move deeper, may cause serious complications.
Where They Commonly Lodge:
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Ears: They can puncture the eardrum and cause severe ear infections.
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Eyes: They can cause conjunctivitis or even corneal ulcers.
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Nose: They can cause intense sneezing, bleeding, or discharge.
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Between the toes: They can become embedded in the paw pads and form abscesses.
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Groin, armpits, or genitals: When they penetrate the skin, they can cause infections.
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Respiratory tract: In extreme cases, they can be inhaled.
Signs Your Pet Has a Grass Awn
In the Ear:
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Constant head shaking
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Tilting the head to one side
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Pain when the ear is touched
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Bad odor or discharge
In the Nose:
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Frequent, violent sneezing
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Nosebleed
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Discharge containing blood or pus
In the eyes:
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Eye held closed or squinting
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Constant tearing
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Pawing at the eye
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Redness or swelling
On the paws:
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Limping
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Persistent licking between the toes
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Swelling or a lump
What should you do if you suspect your pet has a grass awn?
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Don’t try to remove it yourself if it’s deeply embedded.
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See a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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The sooner it is removed, the less likely it is to cause complications.
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If you see a grass awn caught superficially in your pet’s coat, you can remove it with tweezers, taking great care not to break it.
How can you prevent contact with grass awns?
Before the walk:
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Avoid areas with lots of dry grass or tall grass.
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If you can’t avoid them, keep your dog on a short leash.
During the walk:
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Watch where your dog walks and keep them out of brush and dry crops.
After the walk:
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Check your pet thoroughly:
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Between the toes and paw pads
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In and around the ears (carefully inside)
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Around the eyes and nose
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Armpits, groin, and genital area
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Brush your pet’s coat thoroughly, especially if it’s long.
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For long-haired dogs, use scissors to trim the hair between the paws and around the ears.
Which breeds are most at risk?
Breeds with long, curly coats or floppy ears are at greater risk because grass awns catch more easily in their fur and take longer to spot.
Some at-risk breeds include:
- Spanish Water Dog
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Cocker Spaniel
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Setter
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Poodle
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Golden Retriever
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Yorkshire Terrier
Grass awns may seem harmless, but they are one of the most common veterinary emergencies in summer. A simple walk can become a problem if you’re not paying attention. The best defense is prevention and daily checks. If your pet shows signs of discomfort after a walk, don’t ignore them: a visit to the veterinarian can help prevent more serious complications.
