Okanagan Pet parents warned about the dangers of spear grass

Okanagan veterinarians are warning pet owners to keep their dogs away from spear grass.

Spear grass is a type of wild grass that has a sharp point with fine, hair-like stems that spread back from the point. During the summer months, the grass becomes very dry and sharp and it is commonly found in the Okanagan Valley.

Dogs are most commonly affected by spear grass when they come in direct contact with it, usually while hiking. According to staff at Fairfield Animal Hospital, spear grass can become embedded between a dog’s toes and migrate through the tissues of the paw/leg.

The staff at the animal hospital also said that spear grass can enter the ear canal and cause severe discomfort/infection and even rupture the eardrum.

“The unique, barbed shape of the spear grass prevents it from being able to back out, it can only move forward deeper into the paw/ear canal. The paw and the ear are the two most common places spear grass becomes embedded; however, it can penetrate any area of the dog’s body that comes into contact with the spear grass. We have removed spear grass from ears, paws, eyes, and noses, to name a few,” said the veterinarians at Fairfield.

Initial symptoms often include licking and chewing the area where the spear grass has embedded. Or your pet may have a sudden onset of head shaking, head tilting, and crying when the ear is scratched. This would indicate that spear grass has entered is ear canal. Signs of inflammation and infection include pain, swelling, redness and discharge.

To remove spear grass that has entered the paw, sedation is required to allow exploration of the affected area. If spear grass enters the eye or ear area, sedation is again required and pain medication is often prescribed to ensure your pet’s comfort.

It is very difficult to avoid Spear Grass because it is so prevalent in the Okanagan Valley. Some tips to help keep your canine companion safe include:

1. Shaving the feet (especially if they have long hair). This makes the spear grass more visible and facilitates removal prior to the spear grass becoming embedded into the tissues.
2. Thoroughly inspect your dog’s feet/ears/eyes after a walk for evidence of spear grass and remove it before it becomes a problem.
3. Avoid walking your dog in areas where spear grass is rampant.
4. If you notice your pet licking/chewing at his/her paws or scratching at his/her ears then they may be affected by spear grass, call your veterinary clinic.