Grass seeds and awns

By Dr. Liana Hankwitz

Evergreen Animal Hospital

Grass seeds and awns can be a problem for pets during the summer months, especially if your pet walks through open fields or tall grasses. Grass seeds are most often arrow-shaped, usually with a bristle-like tail. This helps the seed to penetrate and stick in the fur and even to puncture and migrate through the skin. The most commonly heard of offenders are cheat-grass and foxtails, although other grasses can be problematic.

Dried foxtail seeds

Cheat Grass is similar in appearance

Dried foxtail seeds. Cheat grass is similar in appearance

Paws: Paws are the most common area to be affected so watch for inflammation or discharge between the toes, licking at the paws, and lameness.

Ears: Grass awns also commonly find their way into the ears. Shaking or rubbing the head, holding the head to the side or acting painful when the ears are touched are all symptoms that can be seen with grass awn migration into the ear canal.

Eyes: A seed or awn between eye and the eyelid can lead to an eye infection or even a corneal ulcer. Redness and discharge along with pawing at the eye are all warning signs that warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Mouth & Nose: Excessive salivation, difficulty eating, sneezing and pawing at the nose are all signs that we see with grass awns that have worked their way into the mouth or nasal passages.

Rarely do we see awns that have migrated into deeper tissues such at the lungs, but is has been reported.

Awns

There are some simple steps to take to help prevent grass awns and seeds from becoming a problem for your pet. Take time to comb through your pet’s fur after being outside, paying special attention to the feet and ears. Dogs with longer or thicker coats tend to collect more awns and seeds and they are harder to find and remove. Many people choose to have their pet’s coat trimmed in the summer and early fall if they know there is going to be exposure. If you find any grass seeds that are imbedded in the skin or if your dog is exhibiting any of the signs above, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. They can remove the awns and provide antibiotics and pain medication. Sometimes grass awns have migrated under the skin and require surgical exploration. Once found and removed, recovery is usually very quick.

Foxtail removed from dog