MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As temperatures soar during the “dog days of summer,” Dr. John Austin with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital is reminding pet owners that heat isn’t the only seasonal hazard to watch for. Local yards, ditches, and trails are full of plants like wild oats, cheatgrass, and foxtails — and they pose a bigger threat than you might think.
“These seeds, which a lot of people call ‘foxtails’ or ‘wild oats,’ are designed by nature to spread by sticking to animals,” said Dr. Austin. “The problem is, they don’t just stick — they burrow in.”
He says his clinic frequently treats pets for embedded seeds lodged in their paws, ears, or even eyes. Dogs with longer or curly fur, such as doodle breeds, are especially vulnerable.
Barbed and Burrowing
The trouble comes from the seeds’ barbed tips, which work like tiny fishhooks. As dogs walk through tall grass, the seeds catch in their fur and can then pierce the skin. Once embedded, they can create painful abscesses that sometimes travel up the leg.
“About half the time, we’re able to sedate the pet and carefully remove the seed before it causes more damage,” Dr. Austin said. “But if it breaks apart or deteriorates inside, it can keep migrating and lead to repeated infections.”
Common spots to check? Between the paw pads, up between the toes, under the third eyelid, and deep inside the ears.
Prevention Is Key
Dr. Austin recommends simple steps to help avoid this summer nuisance:
- Shave Their Feet: For breeds with long or curly hair, like doodles, keeping the fur trimmed short from the ankle down is crucial. “That way, there’s nothing for those seeds to cling to,” he said.
- Inspect After Outings: If your dog runs through tall grass or ditches, give them a quick once-over when you get home. “Look for excessive licking or chewing, especially between the toes,” he advised.
- Keep Yards Trimmed: Mowing or trimming tall grasses can help limit your dog’s exposure to these pesky plants.
When to Call the Vet
If your pet is persistently licking a paw, shaking its head, or pawing at its eyes, it could be more than just an itch. “These seeds can go places you’d never expect,” Dr. Austin warned. “They can even penetrate behind the eyelid or deep inside the ear canal, and they won’t come out on their own.”
If removal is needed, sedation may be required for the safety of both the animal and the vet team.
Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital is located at 1201 East 30th Avenue and opens early to serve pet owners in the area. “Stay hydrated and stay vigilant,” Dr. Austin said. “It’s the best way to keep your pets safe and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.”