Grass awns, also known as foxtails, are small, sharp seeds that have become a common issue for dog owners in the Wichita area. These seeds can cause discomfort and severe pain in dogs, with the potential to enter their paws, mouth, eyes, or ears, and even be inhaled while playing outside.
At Solomon Veterinary Clinic in Wichita, Drew Cooley, a registered veterinary tech, sees cases of grass awns in dogs almost daily. These seeds can become embedded in the dogs’ toe pads and under their skin, leading to infections or sores that may cause limping. Pet owners are advised to take their dogs to the vet if they notice any sores or signs of infection and to regularly check their dogs for grass awns after outdoor playtime.
Cooley personally checks her dog for grass awns every night after outdoor activities to prevent any potential issues. Removing grass awns can sometimes require sedation for the dogs to prevent pain. A slit may need to be made over the affected area to carefully remove the grass awn which can burrow deep into the dog’s skin.
To prevent these common seeds from causing issues for their pets, it is important for dog owners to stay vigilant and proactive by keeping their dog’s coat and fur trimmed around their paws and regularly checking them for any signs of discomfort or infection.