Cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ) is an invasive annual grass that’s become widespread across North America. It’s particularly troublesome because of its seed awns. These are the stiff, needle-like structures that develop on the seed heads. They’re designed to burrow into the ground, which is how the plant spreads, but they can also burrow into your pet.
Dangers if Cheatgrass goes Undetected:
- Penetration and Migration: The sharp, barbed awns can easily penetrate a pet’s skin, fur, paws, ears, eyes, nose, and even mouth. Once embedded, they can migrate deeper into the body, causing serious problems. They don’t just stay on the surface.
- Infections and Abscesses: The barbs make it difficult for the awns to come out on their own. This can lead to infections and abscesses, which are painful and require veterinary treatment.
- Internal Damage: As mentioned, awns can migrate internally. This can cause damage to organs, including the lungs, heart, and abdomen, sometimes requiring extensive surgery. This is less common but much more serious.
- Discomfort and Pain: Even if the awns don’t migrate internally, they can cause significant discomfort and pain. Imagine a tiny, barbed needle working its way into your pet’s paw or ear! This can lead to limping, excessive licking or scratching, head shaking, and other signs of distress
Follow these Steps to Protect your Pet from Wild Grass Awns:
- Prevent your pet from running off trail through fields of wild grass and weeds
- Do not let your pet eat or sniff weeds and wild grasses
- Clear the weeds in your yard
- After a journey outdoors, check your pet’s paws and coat for awns. Brush your dog’s coat to be extra careful. Check out this blog on how to check your dog for cheatgrass.
- If your dog has a long heavy coat, consider trimming it for the summer months
- Make sure to regularly check your dog’s eyes, ears and mouth
- Look for signs of inflammation or symptoms of irritation in your pet, particularly if your pet is limping or frequently licking their feet.
