Cheatgrass and Foxtail Weeds
Cheatgrass and Foxtail weeds are native to the four corners area. They are bushy, pointed seed heads that poke into fur and hair of pets. They are a serious hazard this time of year with the most common problem being their migration though the fur into the ear canals of dogs. Dogs show signs of ear pain by tilting or shaking their head, pawing at the ears, crying when touched around the head and moving stiffly.
Other problem areas of these weeds and symptoms include:
Nose - Sudden severe sneezing and even nose bleeds. Symptoms often diminish after several hours with episodes of intermittent sneezing. The seeds can migrate up into the lung tissues causing further trauma.
Eyes - Sudden eye swelling and squinting may be signs the grass awn is tucked into the eyelid tissues. This can be extremely painful and cause serious damage to the eye.
Throat - Gagging, retching, compulsive grass eating and forced swallowing accompany foxtails/cheatgrass lodged into the tonsils and oral cavity of pets. Symptoms often subside and if the offending seeds are not removed they often migrate though the neck tissues. This can result in the formation of an abscess in the neck.
Feet - Although long haired dogs have the most trouble with foxtails and cheatgrass between the toes, short haired dogs will also have problems. Dogs will lick and chew at the swollen area where the seed is lodged. This area often becomes infected and ruptures open. The sharp point and barbed fringes force the seed in one direction causing it to migrate further into the tissues.
Often times removal of these awns requires sedation or anesthesia.
Other problem areas of these weeds and symptoms include:
Nose - Sudden severe sneezing and even nose bleeds. Symptoms often diminish after several hours with episodes of intermittent sneezing. The seeds can migrate up into the lung tissues causing further trauma.
Eyes - Sudden eye swelling and squinting may be signs the grass awn is tucked into the eyelid tissues. This can be extremely painful and cause serious damage to the eye.
Throat - Gagging, retching, compulsive grass eating and forced swallowing accompany foxtails/cheatgrass lodged into the tonsils and oral cavity of pets. Symptoms often subside and if the offending seeds are not removed they often migrate though the neck tissues. This can result in the formation of an abscess in the neck.
Feet - Although long haired dogs have the most trouble with foxtails and cheatgrass between the toes, short haired dogs will also have problems. Dogs will lick and chew at the swollen area where the seed is lodged. This area often becomes infected and ruptures open. The sharp point and barbed fringes force the seed in one direction causing it to migrate further into the tissues.
Often times removal of these awns requires sedation or anesthesia.
Foxtail Weed
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Cheatgrass Weed
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