With the arrival of warm weather, nature is in all its splendor. We take off our coats and look forward to spending time outdoors with our dogs. We head out into the countryside, to parks in towns and cities, and even any open space is good enough to enjoy some time in the sun, walking and playing with them.
However, this time of year also brings with it certain hidden dangers in green areas, one of the biggest risks being grass spikes. In this post, we tell you what grass spikes are, how they affect our dogs, and what we can do to prevent and manage these risks.
What are spikes?
The spikes are cereal seeds wrapped in a hard, elongated pod, ending in a sharp point surrounded by hairs that grow in only one direction. This unique structure allows the spikes, once in contact with any surface, to only move forward, making it easier for their sharp point to stick into it. They come in various sizes, some so small that they are often easier to detect by touch than with the naked eye.
Since it is difficult to completely avoid areas with tall grass, especially in certain geographic areas where these plants are abundant, prevention becomes the best strategy to protect our canine friends. Below, we will see how to prevent them from causing serious problems to our dog, what symptoms indicate a possible spike in some area of his body, and what we should do if he has already been affected.
In addition to spikes, another danger that threatens our dogs with the arrival of warm weather are mosquitoes, which pose a threat by transmitting diseases such as heartworm. To protect your furry friend, we recommend reading our guide on “ The best insect repellents for dogs .”
How can spikes affect dogs?
The shape of the spikes, designed by nature to travel on the wind and anchor themselves in the ground to germinate, also makes them dangerously effective at snagging dogs’ fur. The hairs surrounding the sharp tip of the spike mean that, once in contact with the fur, they can only move forward. This means that every movement your dog makes can cause the spike to dig deeper into their skin or even migrate to internal parts of the body, where they can cause serious damage.
| Once a spike attaches to the fur and penetrates the skin, it can cause several health problems: |
|---|
| Irritations and infections. |
| Damage to internal organs. |
| Respiratory problems. |
| Hearing and eye problems. |
How to know if your dog has spikes?
Spikes can be embedded in various parts of the body, but some areas are particularly vulnerable:
- Between the toes and under the armpits.
- Ears and eyes.
- Nose and mouth.
If your dog has been in an area where spikes are common, it is important to check him regularly. Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a spike include:
- Excessive licking or nibbling of a specific area: This can be a sign that something is irritating or causing pain.
- Constant head shaking, head tilting, or ear scratching: These behaviors may indicate the presence of a spike in the ear.
- Eye rubbing or abnormal eye discharge: This may be a sign that a speck has entered the eye.
- Repeated sneezing or unusual nasal discharge: If a sneeze has become lodged in the nasal airway, these symptoms are common.
How to avoid spikes in our dog
Preventing problems with spikes is important so that your dog can enjoy nature without unnecessary risks. Here are some tips to minimize exposure to these dangerous seeds during the highest risk periods, especially in spring and summer.
- Avoid areas with tall grass: During walks, choose places with short, well-maintained grass. Spikes are commonly found in tall grass and unkempt areas.
Before letting your dog run free, check the area to make sure it is not full of weeds or dried plants that could contain spikes.
- Use paw protectors: Spikes have a penchant for getting between our dogs’ toes or digging into their paw pads. So consider wearing dog boots when walking in areas where spikes are common. Oh! And don’t miss our next post with more tips for caring for and protecting your dog’s paw pads .
- Check after every walk: Whenever we return from a walk with our companion in areas where he may have been in contact with spikes, we will thoroughly check between the toes, around the ears, under the armpits, and any other folds of skin. Use your fingers to feel for small lumps or irregularities that could be embedded spikes.
- Frequent brushing: Brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove any stray hairs before they have a chance to dig into the skin. This is especially important if your dog has long hair. Here’s a guide on how to brush your dog based on their coat type .
What to do if your dog has a spike stuck in it?
Finding a spike in your dog’s fur or skin can be distressing, both for you and your best friend. Here we offer a step-by-step guide on what to do if you are faced with this situation and when it is essential to seek veterinary attention.
Steps to follow if you find a spike in your dog’s fur or skin
1-Review
If you notice your dog licking, biting or scratching a specific area more than usual, inspect his skin and coat carefully for thorns. Pay special attention to areas where thorns tend to get caught, such as between the toes, around the ears, eyes and under the armpits.
2-Removal of visible spikes
- If you see a spike stuck only on the surface or tangled in your hair, you can try to remove it yourself. Use tweezers to carefully remove the spike, making sure not to break it.
- Disinfect the area before and after extraction with an antiseptic suitable for dogs.
- Monitor the area over the next few days to make sure no signs of infection develop, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.
3-Use of soothing products
After removing the earwax, you can apply a soothing anti-itch spray or healing balm to relieve irritation. Products with natural extracts can provide immediate relief and help prevent infection.
If you are unsure how to safely remove a spike or if your dog appears to be in a lot of pain, the best option is to consult your veterinarian.
When is it essential to seek veterinary attention?
Spikes not visible or deeply embedded
If you suspect that a spike is deeply embedded and not visible, or if the area shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage, take your dog to the vet immediately. Embedded spikes can migrate within the body, requiring professional care for safe removal.
Spikes in sensitive or critical areas
- Eye stalks: If your dog is showing signs of eye pain, such as excessive blinking or difficulty opening the eyes, there may be a stalk behind the eyelid. This requires professional removal to prevent damage to the cornea.
- Nose bumps: Continuous sneezing, wrinkling of the muzzle, or rubbing may indicate a nose bump. If these maneuvers do not remove the bump, a visit to the vet is mandatory to avoid complications such as infections or damage to the respiratory tract.
- Ear spikes: A dog that constantly shakes its head or tilts it abnormally may have an ear spike. This is especially dangerous and can cause serious damage, including perforation of the eardrum, so you need to act quickly by taking the animal to the vet.
In addition to these typical sites, we can find spikes in other areas such as the armpits, and vulva in females and prepuce in males. In any case, at this time of year, any suspicious lump in any area of the body should be treated as a possible spike and therefore we will take the dog to be examined by a veterinarian.
My dog has eaten corn cobs, what should I do?
If your dog has ingested corn, watch closely for any signs of discomfort such as coughing, gagging, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, and act quickly. Do not try to induce vomiting, and take your dog to the vet immediately for evaluation. Dogs who consume corn may require tests such as X-rays to locate and remove the corn, and in severe cases, they might need surgery to remedy any internal damage.
