As pet owners in Idaho, we often enjoy exploring the outdoors with our furry companions, but it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards that could affect their health. One hazard veterinarians frequently encounter in Idaho is cheatgrass, a seemingly innocuous plant that can pose serious risks to dogs.
What is Cheatgrass?
Cheatgrass, scientifically known as Bromus tectorum, is a common grass species found in many regions across the United States, particularly in dry, arid climates like the Treasure Valley. It’s characterized by its sharp, bristly seed heads that easily detach from the plant.
Here is an image of cheatgrass for reference, a photo taken in Meridian of an undeveloped lot:
Here is an example of what cheatgrass looks like off of the plant:
Prevalence in the Treasure Valley
In the Treasure Valley, cheatgrass is prevalent in urban and rural areas. It can be found in:
- Open Fields and Parks: Any grassy area, including local parks and recreational spaces.
- Trailheads and Hiking Trails: Especially along paths that traverse open fields or grassy meadows.
- Residential/Commercial Yards: Particularly in neighborhoods where natural landscaping or undeveloped lots provide habitat for the plant.
Due to its ability to spread rapidly and its adaptation to dry conditions, cheatgrass has become a common nuisance in many parts of Idaho, including the Treasure Valley.
Why is Cheatgrass Dangerous for Dogs?
The danger lies in these seed heads, which can easily become lodged in a dog’s fur, paws, ears, or eyes during outdoor activities. Once embedded, cheatgrass seeds can migrate into the skin or deeper tissues, causing a variety of health issues:
- Skin Irritation and Infection: Cheatgrass seeds have barbed ends that can penetrate the skin, leading to irritation, redness, and potentially infections if not promptly removed.
- Eye and Ear Problems: Seeds can enter a dog’s eyes or ears, causing discomfort, redness, and, in severe cases, damage to the delicate tissues.
- Internal Issues: If ingested, cheatgrass seeds can cause digestive problems or, in rare cases, migrate to other organs, requiring surgical intervention.
This cheatgrass seed was removed from an ear canal within hours after the dog walked through a field with cheatgrass. The seeds can quickly embed and cause injury.
Recognizing Symptoms
It’s crucial for pet owners to recognize the signs that their dog may have encountered cheatgrass:
- Excessive licking or chewing at paws or fur.
- Sudden pawing at the eyes or ears.
- Shaking head indicating an ear is irritated.
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from affected areas.
- Persistent coughing or sneezing if seeds have been inhaled.
- Behavioral changes such as reluctance to move or discomfort.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention is the best approach when dealing with cheatgrass:
- Keep grass trimmed in your yard and remove cheatgrass if possible.
- Protective gear like dog booties or protective eyewear can help minimize exposure.
- Inspecting your dog for cheatgrass after outdoor activities is important to ensure their well-being.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to thoroughly check your dog for cheatgrass:
- Choose a Well-Lit Area: Select a well-lit spot indoors or outdoors where you can examine your dog comfortably.
- Use Your Hands and Eyes: Start by gently running your hands over your dog’s fur, focusing on areas where cheatgrass is likely to stick:
- Paws and Between Toes: Check where seeds commonly lodge between each toe and around the paw pads.
- Legs and Underbelly: Move up the legs and inspect the underbelly, feeling for any irregularities or seed attachments.
- Ears: Carefully inspect inside each ear flap and around the ear canal openings.
- Face and Muzzle: Check around the eyes, nose, and mouth carefully.
- Look for Signs: While feeling for seeds, also watch for signs such as:
- Redness or Swelling: Indicates irritation or possible embedded seeds.
- Excessively Licked or Chewed spots: Dogs may lick or chew at areas where seeds are causing discomfort.
- Discharge: Look for any discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose indicating seed presence.
- Use a Fine-Tooth Comb or Brush: For long-haired dogs, gently comb or brush through the coat, paying particular attention to areas where seeds might be tangled.
- Check Thoroughly: Don’t rush the inspection; take your time to ensure you’ve covered all areas thoroughly.
- Remove Seeds Promptly: If you find any cheatgrass seeds:
- Use blunt-end tweezers or your fingers (if gentle and careful) to remove visible seeds.
- Be cautious not to push seeds deeper into the skin or ear canal.
- Monitor Your Dog: After removal, monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort, irritation, or infection. If you notice persistent issues, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Can you find the cheatgrass in this paw pad?
The cheatgrass seeds quickly migrate and embed, making them tough to see as only the tips of the seed may be exposed, as has occurred in this example.
Regularly inspecting your dog for cheatgrass seeds, especially after walks or hikes in grassy areas, can help prevent potential health problems and ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. Early detection and removal are key to avoiding more serious complications associated with cheatgrass encounters.
If you suspect your dog has encountered cheatgrass, early intervention is crucial:
- Carefully remove visible seeds using tweezers or seek veterinary assistance.
- Monitor for signs of infection and consult your veterinarian promptly if symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion
While cheatgrass is common in many outdoor environments, understanding its potential dangers to dogs empowers pet owners to take proactive measures to protect their furry friends. By being vigilant and informed, we can ensure that our dogs continue to enjoy safe and healthy outdoor adventures.
At Pawspital Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your pets. If you have any concerns about cheatgrass or other pet health issues, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team.
Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in keeping our beloved dogs happy and healthy!