Grass and grain barbs can cause life-threatening injuries to dogs
Stuttgart. Small but dangerous: Many grasses or grains that ripen in midsummer, such as wheat, barley and oats, have barbed ears or inflorescences, known as awns. These burrow into the ground to germinate. If dogs brush past the plants on walks, the hard, sharp points can get caught in their fur and, in the worst case, anchor themselves in the skin. Eyes, ears and lungs are also at risk. The consequences can be fatal, because undetected awns can migrate deeper and cause, among other things, severe inflammation. PETA expert Jana Hoger explains what to do if dog owners discover an awn injury, what symptoms can accompany it and how an awn incident can be prevented.
“If the barbs of awns burrow into the dog's body, the consequences can be serious and even life-threatening,” says Jana Hoger. “If you are aware of the danger and follow a few tips, you can protect your animal from great suffering.”
PETA gives tips:
What to do if awns are discovered?
If awns have become entangled in the dog’s fur or have only partially penetrated the skin, dog owners can remove them themselves if necessary. (with tweezers) However, if the grain tips have penetrated deeper into the skin, they must be properly removed by veterinary professionals. In practice, the necessary medication can also be administered (e.g. anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers) If the veterinarian has reason to believe that one or more awns have already migrated into the body, further veterinary measures are required, sometimes under anesthesia.
What are the signs of a awn injury?
As soon as the barbs of awns are stuck in the skin, they are fixed in place. The longer the foreign bodies remain in the animal, the more serious the consequences can be. Typical signs of awns caught in the body are: lameness, discomfort due to potentially severe pain, swollen paw pads or areas between the toes (these are particularly frequently affected). Excessive scratching or licking of the affected area (especially on the paws or genitals), Repeated head shaking or tilting are possible, as are eye and nasal discharge, swollen or red eyes, and frequent, often strong sneezing.
What are the consequences?
- Ears: If awns migrate into the ear, they can cause middle ear infections, loss of balance or, in the worst case, a ruptured eardrum.
- Paws: Awns that have entered paws often lead to abscesses and serious infections – because the affected parts of the body are usually licked excessively.
- Eyes: If awns find their way into the eyes, the consequences can range from corneal damage to blindness if the foreign bodies are not removed in time.
- Nose: Inhaled awns can enter the skull through the nasal cavity, with fatal outcomes in the worst case scenario.
- Trachea/Lungs: If dogs breathe in awns through their mouths, they can get caught in the windpipe and cause death by suffocation. If awns migrate into the lungs, they can cause pneumonia, among other things.
How can people prevent it?
During the peak awn season from July to August, dogs should not be walked near grain fields or through tall grass. To minimize the risk of awn injury, it is advisable to protect ears, eyes, paws (mainly between the toes), After every summer walk, the nose, mouth, armpits and genitals of the animals should be checked thoroughly for awns. Any grain tips found that are not yet stuck should be removed immediately. It can help to trim the dog's fur – including in the paw and inner ear area – and to brush out the undercoat.
In order to reduce the risk in your own garden, it is advisable to remove the relevant grasses by the roots.
PETA wishes all people and dogs
a safe summer season!
PETA Germany