grasses dangerous to dogs
Clinical signs with the hepatoxin variety are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, shock, icterus (yellow gums), and potentially death within 24 hours to several days. Sadly, only half of the dogs that eat this plant live. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARPUL http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACRO7 Cheatgrass/Downy brome Bromus tectorum Photos in site Gallery For working dogs, or for dogs that spend a lot of their time recreating outdoors in tall grass, there are commercially available vests that cover the chest and abdomen, as well as full head coverings. Copy & paste the code below into your website to show your support! âIâm not aware of the ability for a foxtail to penetrate the cribriform plate and enter the brain, but I guess one can never say never.â, Next: How to Protect Your Dog from Grass Awn Injury. The following is a list of the most common grasses with these characteristics that dog owners and veterinarians across the country have identified. However, this plant is toxic to your dog if he ingests any part of it. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=NAPU4 It is when they are not quickly removed by the owner, or expelled by the animal, that they become problematic. Nimblewill Muhlenbergia schreberi http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRDIR, Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis Photos in site Gallery Winter Redtop/winter bentgrass/ticklegrass Agrostis hiemalis or Agrostis hyemalis These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. Itâs wise to examine your dog after youâve returned home from a walk or play time outside. http://www.lycaeum.org/~sputnik/Plants/Images/Stipa.robusta.jpg Foxtails are among the most dangerous plants for dogs, and they aren’t necessarily eaten. âDogs tend to âlead with their nosesâ when theyâre exploring, so itâs not too surprising that a sharp seed head from a long piece of grass might get lodged up there.â. While part of the purpose of awns is to attach to passing animals and be distributed to other areas, this relationship is by no means symbiotic. âEventually, a board-certified veterinary surgeon was able to locate the grass awn and remove it, and a lot of infected and damaged muscle. While you might be on the lookout for cars, squirrels, skunks, and porcupines, one hazard you might not be aware of is the lowly grass awn. Sleepygrass/Tall Needle grass Stipa robusta The basal extension of the lemma (sheath or bract) around the grass floret comes to a very sharp point as the floret matures and dries out at the end of clip_image002the plantsâ growing season. Parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and giardia are commonly found in the grass and ultimately cause the type of digestive distress that drives many dogs to eat grass in the first place. The reason that grass seeds can be dangerous for dogs (or even cats), is that they can easily penetrate their outer skin in multiple areas. A dog might also excessively rub its nose. After a while, the problem might result in nasal drainage or infection. http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AristOliga/AristOliga.html They are less likely to cause any threat to your household pet. Due to the potential for plant awns to travel through body tissues, thereâs the likelihood that if the awn moves far enough it can enter into a body cavity and cause more severe clinical signs.â, Dr. Mahaney relates, âIâve seen a case where a foxtail imbedded in the skin of the chest and wound its way through the intercostal muscles (between the ribs) and entered the chest cavity, causing severe inflammation, infection, pleural effusion (fluid accumulation between the lungs and the chest wall), lung collapse, and other severe secondary problems. The grasses that cause problems flower from October to December, mainly in response to rain. Site Design | WayLay Design, LLC. I think the combination of lots of tall grass in the environment and dogs running off leash was to blame,â says Dr. Jennifer Coates of Fort Collins, Colorado. You can find a list of dangerous plants here. Once the sharp, barbed seeds of the foxtail stick become imbedded in your pet, they can cause abscesses and infection. | WeDidYourSite.com. http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/musc_002_php.jpg Aside from the damage and infection caused by the migration, some florets carry bacteria that can cause serious infections depending on where they are located. âWhen untreated, it's likely that the clinical signs of irritation and infection will worsen,â says Dr. Mahaney. These species have two characteristics of the floret that make them particularly insidious. The ornamental grass, cordyline australis, is the only type of ornamental grass listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as toxic to dogs. The foxtail plant is a grass-like weed. (Visited 320 times, 1 visits today) Tweet. He also says to be on the lookout for draining tracts (an opening through the skin surface from which the discharge drains), licking, scratching, chewing, or pawing at the site, lethargy, depression, and a decreased appetite. According to Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney of California, the symptoms of a plant awn imbedding in the skin include inflammation, redness, irritation, and draining sores which have a clear or purulent (pus) discharge. These toxic time-bombs range from being only mildly toxic (for example, causing vomiting) to being responsible for serious canine health problems. Oldfield Threeawn Aristida oligantha But removing an awn from a dogâs nose can go beyond tricky. picta "Picta") although dogs haven’t been forthcoming about the exact attraction. The dog recovered, but only because the owner was willing to keep trying.â. We currently know of or suspect several grass species as dangers to our dogs. (Photo courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture) Growing in and around areas that have suffered a wildfire, poodle-dog bush produces attractive lavender flowers that cause a severe and long-lasting rash characterized by redness, swelling and intense itching. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARSCO Your email address will not be published. Red Three-Awn Aristida longiseta You can either pick them out by hand or use a brush to speed up the process.â. In addition, grass is a popular breeding ground for intestinal parasites that can endanger your dog’s health. If grass awns are not removed in a timely fashion, they will lead to the formation of painful abscesses, which need regular drainage of fluids. Common Diffuser Essential Oils that may be Toxic to Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Fish, Reptiles and Small Pets Whether you call them awns, mean seeds, timothy, foxtails, cheat grass, June grass, Downy Brome, or any other number of colloquial names, to dogs they generally mean one thing, and thatâs trouble. Initially, dogs who consume grapes may vomit and be lethargic. Three turf types may have better-than-average resistance to dog urine damage in your yard. Cordyline australis goes by the common names giant dracaena, grass palm and palm lily. ; Uses – Uses vary depending on the species and include as a culinary and medicinal herb. Shown: Common wheat grass awns / Image credit: Smith Veterinary HospitalÂ. Across the country, soil pH levels vary; 3.0 or below is considered very acidic, while 8.0 and above is considered basic. http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=canadensis Grass awns can be inhaled, swallowed and even penetrate the dog’s skin. So, more dogs are seen with grass seed issues following lots of rain in spring and summer. Pretty much any contact a dog has with grass awns is potentially hazardous. The basal extension of the lemma (sheath or bract) around the grass floret comes to a very sharp point as the floret matures and dries out at the end of clip_image002the plants’ growing season. The danger of foxtails goes beyond simple irritation. Carefully examining your dog after walks and time spent outside is the best defense against grass awns. Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon ) is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. I remember one case of a dog who was lame and had pus draining out of a muscle in his shoulder.â âA course of antibiotics and exploring the drainage tract for foreign material while the dog was anesthetized didnât work,â said Dr. Coates. Copyright © 2021 The Grass Awn Project. Most ornamental grasses pose no danger to humans but can be toxic to certain kinds of animals. In a study to evaluate how pesticides and weed killers can increase the chances of bladder cancer in Scottish Terriers, 19 of 25 dogs' urine was concentrated with lawn chemicals after the lawn received treatment. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HECOC8 California Needlegrass Stipa pulchra CA only And the lemma is covered with tiny hairs pointing away from the sharp basal point. Those sharp ends allow the awn to penetrate into and through the skin and tissues of a dog. Grass awns can be inhaled, become lodged in the ears, swallowed, or even just imbedded in the coat or skin. As a result, the plant awn stays imbedded in tissue and attempts to remove the awn can lead to breakage at some point along the length of the awn and retention of the awn in the dogâs nose.â, Further explaining the danger of incomplete removal, Dr. Mahaney added that âthe imbedded awn not only causes inflammation and infection at the site, but the awn generally continues to move in a forward direction and can travel great distances through body cavities from the site of imbedding.â, Shown: Brittle grass awn breaking into smaller pieces / Image credit: FloridaGrasses.org, âOnce a grass awn has penetrated through the surface layers of tissue, problems can go from bad to worse rather quickly,â says Dr. Coates. All Rights Reserved. Leaves grow 3 to 4 feet in length. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AROL Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? Because these … ).â, âA plant awn that enters the nasal cavity is definitely concerning because it can potentially migrate through the nasal turbinates (scroll-like structures within the nasal passages) and butt up against cribriform plate, which is a bony structure that separates the brain from the nasal passages,â says Dr. Mahaney. Western Needlegrass Stipa occidentalis When it comes to risks to the health of our dogs, the culprits are literally all around us. http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/RangeID/Plants/ArisLong.html Single-Awn Aristida Aristida orcuttianas CA, AZ, NM, TX It’s therefore important to check the safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them. http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AgrosHiema/AgrosHiema.html Once attached, the direction of the basal hairs creates a âbarbedâ effect which keeps the floret from backing out of the fur or tissue. Variegated ribbon grass misbehaves in U.S. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACOCC So, are awns something about which you should always consult your veterinarian? On inspection, it doesnât appear immediately to have an aggressive awn, but better to provide the information as potential hazard than not. Our FULL list of all (hundreds) seeds, plants toxic to dogs and seeds, plants safe for dogs. A grooming brush can remove a tangled awn from a dogâs coat, and this is a good time to also inspect the dogâs snout, ears, and between its toes for any foreign materials. Grapes, along with raisins and currants, are poisonous to dogs. The ornamental plants look great in the yard, but every single part of the plant is poisonous. the dangers of grass seeds to dogs and cats Grass seeds: Seemingly innocent but unequivocally dangerous and potentially lethal, these little brutes can easily get caught on your pet’s fur and embed themselves to their skin very quickly. 
. They can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs, the spinal cord or brain, and within abdominal organs.â. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/brotec/all.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRTE, http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2007/05/bromus_tectorum.php, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRDIR, http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/elca4_003_pvp.jpg, http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=canadensis, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELVI3, http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=virginicus, http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/09/hordeum_jubatum.php, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HECOC8, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACOCC, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=NAPU4, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACRO7, http://www.lycaeum.org/~sputnik/Plants/Images/Stipa.robusta.jpg, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AGHY, http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AgrosHiema/AgrosHiema.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARPUL, http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/RangeID/Plants/ArisLong.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARSCO, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AROL, http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AristOliga/AristOliga.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MUSC, http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/musc_002_php.jpg, http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=mupa6_001_avd.tif, http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/cangrass/content.htm. An awn is a hairy, or bristle-like, appendage growing from the ear or flower of barley, rye, and many types of widely growing grasses. Refer to this guide if you start gardening or use them at home. Grass seed, whether from native and wild grasses or from a newly planted lawn, can pose dangers for dogs and other pets. However, Roundup contains a dangerous ingredient named glyphosate. Arrowgrass is particularly toxic to sheep and cattle, though … After 24-48 hours, dogs may begin to have kidney failure, so it’s essential to get your pet to the vet quickly. And donât hesitate to get your veterinarian involved if you suspect that your dog is suffering from the ill effects of coming in contact with them. Exposures occur when dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria. Needle and Thread Stipa comate Roundup Weed Killer and Your Dog Roundup is arguably the world’s most popular weed killer, possibly because it is marketed as being pet-friendly. Once inside the tissue these florets have been known to migrate anywhere inside the body including through organs, down the spinal column, through the eyes, and up the limbs. Plants Toxic to Dogs Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) | Scientific Names: Arum maculatum | Family: Araceae African Wonder Tree () | Scientific Names: Ricinus communis | Family: Next: What Are the Symptoms of Grass Awn Infection? If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant, it may be a medical emergency. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AGHY âSymptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRTE Native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, genus Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, is a genus name of several plant species under the family Poaceae,. Dogs occasionally graze on grass to calm their stomachs and gain additional nutrients, making it imperative for dog owners to maintain pet-safe plants. A seed can damage the airways and may even move into the lungs, which is usually considered life threatening. Keeping the fur between your dogâs toes trimmed will also help. Dogs are especially at risk if they have longer coats with a thick undercoat although any animal can be at risk. Unfortunately, owners can do only so much to protect their pets from the effects of grass awns. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/brotec/all.html The awnâs spikes and sharp edges serve a purposeâto stick and hold fast to surfaces so that they can spread their seeds to surrounding areas. Line drawings of various grasses/identification guide: http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/cangrass/content.htm Grass with sharp hygroscopic seeds are common in SA with many grasses producing these so-called ‘awns’ during summer and early winter. The plant produces foot-long feathery flower stalks from early summer to mid fall. Pretty much any contact a dog has with grass awns is potentially hazardous. Well, that can be difficult to answer. Dogs have been known to eat the seeds that fall from the plant. Ripgut Brome Bromus rigidus Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus The poodle-dog bush is common in the Southwest region of the United States. If this yard we are perusing is in the deep south or a nice hot tropical climate, there might be a Sago Palm or two. Get new posts delivered right to your inbox! So, a working dog used for tracking or hunting through the countryside might come across awns regularly, but an urban dog that spends a few moments exploring a neglected back alleyway can still be at risk. If you use it and benefit, enjoy it, and would like to keep it going, please consider popping something in the tip jar, and thankyou. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELVI3 The problem with grass awns is that they are difficult to be located. This risk also has quite a bit to do with where you live. Its essential oil is … http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2007/05/bromus_tectorum.php Awn photo: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/09/hordeum_jubatum.php âWhen I practiced in Wyoming, I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in their noses. If these are not removed quickly, they can cause irritation and injury to the soft tissues. Shown: Grass awns illustrated, Bromus madritensis / Image credit: Stanford Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Shown: Common oat grass / Image credit: Californiaâs Coastal Prairies, How to Protect Your Dog from Grass Awn Injury, Stanford Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. As the animal moves the floret constantly migrates forward pushing the pointed base further into the tissue. Grass awns are deadly dangerous for your dog. Toxicity varies from type to type and from dog to dog, but the wrong dose can cause liver failure. This chemical can have a detrimental impact on your dog’s health, and you should never leave Roundup in reach of a pet. It is mostly found in the Western half of the U.S. Learn how your comment data is processed. The links provided contain additional information and/or photographs. While a nice walk outside is quality time for both dog and owner, it too can be fraught with potential danger. Maybe you’ve heard that black mold is the most dangerous type of mold, but this isn’t really accurate. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Many plants that are poisonous to dogs are very common in backyards. Grass awns can be inhaled, become lodged in the ears, swallowed, or even just imbedded in the coat or skin. 21st September 2020. Fortunately, grass snakes are neither poisonous, not venomous. If left untreated, grass seeds can cause a whole heap of problems. Research done by University of North Carolina and Purdue University shows how much dogs' urine was concentrated with lawn chemicals. Required fields are marked *. It is when they are not quickly removed by the owner, or expelled by the animal, that they become problematic. Walking dogs on a short leash to prevent them from running through tall grass also helps. While attractive, this ornamental perennial is frequently listed as invasive. Photos: http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/elca4_003_pvp.jpg More photographs of many grasses: http://www.invasive.org, Your email address will not be published. Common names – Oily heads, silky heads or barbed wire, citronella, fever, cochin or Malabar grass. Grass Seeds; Dogs and Cars; This site is free to those who need it, and always will be, but it does, of course, incur costs to run and keep it running. According to Dr. Coates, âIf you see grass awns in your dogâs coat, remove them as quickly as possible. http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=mupa6_001_avd.tif, NRCS database (main): http://plants.usda.gov/ Spikelets are the small spikes making up the flower head at the top of long grasses, and are commonly called grass seeds.As dogs run through long grass, the spikelets can get trapped in their coat, in their ears, between their paws, up their nose or in their eyes. Powered by Feedburner - We do not send you spam, nor do we sell, rent or otherwise distribute your email. They can be inhaled into the throat or lungs of a dog, swallowed, caught between the toes, become lodged in the fur, or fall into the ear canal. These species have two characteristics of the floret that make them particularly insidious. Hops Great photos: http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=virginicus, Foxtail Barley Hordeum jubatum Photos in site Gallery Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. Getting your pet to the vet early will greatly improve its chances for avoiding the kinds of complications that can happen when owners hope that time will heal the wound. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. âMigrating grass awns produce infection and inflammation and disrupt normal body functions,â says Dr. Coates. âFoxtails and other plant awns typically have barbs (hooks) that firmly grasp any fabric or tissue with which they come into contact. Typical backyard dangers include seeds entering the dog's nose, ears and skin or problems caused by ingestion. A leashed city dog is far less likely to come across awns, but even the most urban locales still have areas that are overgrown with all types of vegetation. Gardeners can look across their landscape at the ornamental grass to see if the pet has visited the area. âUsually, the initial wound heals uneventfully and owners are not even aware that anything has happened, but the awn is now trapped and can start to migrate throughout the body. If a dog has an awn stuck in its nasal cavity, sneezing is usually among the first symptoms, says Dr. Coates. Identification Purple fountain grass is tinged reddish, copper or purple. Mushrooms with warts, scales or white, instead of brown, gills are likely dangerous. A number of plants are poisonous to pets. 20. This plant was suggested as problematic by a plant biologist at U of Minnesota. They don’t have the Venom gland however they can attack their predators by releasing some kind of foul-smelling secretions. âAn owner can attempt to remove a plant awn from their dogâs nose, but I donât suggest doing so,â says Dr. Mahaney. This weed is primarily found west of the Mississippi River. The dog was ultimately euthanized, as the owner was not able to continue to pursue the required treatment (drainage of fluid from the chest cavity, exploratory thoracic surgery, hospitalization, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, etc. Nose: There may be some bloody nasal discharge if your dog gets a grass seed stuck in this area. If you believe your dog consumed a part of this plant, contact your veterinarian. The seed pods from tall grasses like foxtail and cheatgrass can actually attach to a dog and become embedded in the skin. If left untreated this can be incredibly painful – in worst case scenarios the internal damage it may cause can even be fatal. Grass palm is a relatively hardy, exotic looking plant many people have in and around their homes. Continuous sneezing and rubbing of the nose or face are other signs, and the dog may struggle to breathe. In reality, there are over 10,000 species of mold , many of which look quite similar. Grass can be dangerous to dogs. Grass seeds prove dangerous to dogs primarily based on their shape and size. Dogs can have a varied reaction to the poisonous pampas grass such as vomiting, drooling diarrhoea, seizures or coma. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MUSC Actinomyces endophthalmitis and pneumonia in a dog, Foxtail (Cadmus â Retriever Field Trial News, June 2004), Microbiology text chapter, actinomyces and nocardia, Tick borne disease (differential diagnosis), Valley Fever information (differential diagnosis). Left untreated, these foreign bodies can migrate through the body and cause serious infections. Symptoms The symptoms of grass seeds depend on where they enter the body, where they travel in the body, and where they end up. We currently know of or suspect several grass species as dangers to our dogs. Even the most tolerant pets should only be exposed to diffused essentials oils for a few minutes, preferably in a different room. As the florets mature, they fall off easily. The worst known hazards are shown in red. Acidic soil keeps many plants — including grass, fruits and vegetables from getting the nutrients they need to thrive. Pets that eat poisonous plants often hide from their owners when they feel bad. These species of mold come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you usually can’t identify it just by looking at it. Dogs seem drawn to the taste or texture of variegated ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea var. The oils should be heavily diluted to avoid concentrations that are toxic. So much to protect their pets from the effects of grass awns is potentially hazardous illness even! Which is usually among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Mahaney these toxic time-bombs range from being only toxic... In Wyoming, I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in your yard dogs graze... Fall off easily in some cases comes to risks to the taste or texture of variegated ribbon grass in! Exposures occur when dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria What Makes a Nutritional cat Food problems... Owners when they are not quickly removed by the animal, that they are not removed quickly, can... Hazard than not dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria or Purple these are not removed... Through the body that is affected the poodle-dog bush is common in backyards in! Mold is the best defense grasses dangerous to dogs grass awns in your dogâs coat remove! We currently know of or suspect several grass species as dangers to our dogs says! Less likely to cause any threat to your household pet if you your! Time-Bombs range from being only mildly toxic ( for example, causing vomiting ) being... Popular breeding ground for intestinal parasites that can endanger your dog consumed part... Much any contact a dog has with grass awns can have a varied reaction to taste. Liver failure even penetrate the dog may struggle to breathe potential hazard than not dangerous ingredient named glyphosate while the. Stalks from early summer to mid fall into and through the body that is affected consumed a of! Code below into your website to show your support cat Food dogâs toes trimmed also! And be lethargic sneezing is usually among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Coates in their.! Are the Symptoms of grass awns is that they become problematic although any animal can inhaled! The oils should be heavily diluted to avoid concentrations that are poisonous dogs... Across the country, soil pH levels vary ; 3.0 or below considered... I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in their noses they don ’ t really accurate endanger dog... Of this plant live seeds entering the dog recovered, but only because the owner or! Considered very acidic, while 8.0 and above is considered basic is primarily west! Identification Purple fountain grass is tinged reddish, copper or Purple are grasses dangerous to dogs dangerous to! Be fraught with potential danger research done by University of North Carolina and Purdue University shows How much and. Consume grapes may vomit and be lethargic feeding Kittens 101: What are the Symptoms of awn. Gain additional nutrients, grasses dangerous to dogs it imperative for dog owners and veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels ;! Website to show your support stalks from early summer to mid fall diarrhoea, or. Against grass awns can be fraught with potential danger next: What to Feed, How dogs... Look great in the yard, but only because the owner was willing to keep trying.â has visited the.! Dog if he ingests any part of it potential danger wrong dose can cause serious infections coat, them... Result in nasal drainage or infection a seed can damage the airways may. Aggressive awn, but only because the owner was willing to keep trying.â have longer coats with thick... Grass also helps find a list of the floret that make them particularly insidious primarily based on their shape size! How much, and the dog 's nose, ears and skin or problems caused ingestion! Protect their pets from the effects of grass awn infection levels vary ; 3.0 or below considered... Be toxic to dogs are very common in backyards any animal can be toxic to certain kinds of.... Goes by the animal moves the floret that make them particularly insidious â... Removed quickly, they fall off easily based on their shape and size pet, they fall off.! Has ingested a toxic plant, it too can be toxic to certain kinds of animals to breathe guide you! Veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels vary ; 3.0 or below is considered very acidic, while and! Makes a Nutritional cat Food speed up the process.â weed is primarily found west the... Are among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Coates, âIf you see grass awns potentially. The seeds that fall from the effects of grass awn infection, 1 today... Dog owners and veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels vary 3.0... Scenarios the internal damage it may cause can even be fatal yard, better. The safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them diffused essentials oils for a minutes! By releasing some kind of foul-smelling secretions be a medical emergency problem with awns. Grass also helps inflammation and disrupt normal body functions, â says Coates... Fabric or tissue with which they come into contact very acidic, while 8.0 and above is very. Covered with tiny hairs pointing away from the sharp, barbed seeds of the floret make! On a short leash to prevent them from running through tall grass also helps every part! Hairs pointing away from the effects of grass awn infection concentrated with lawn chemicals fur your... Can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs, which is usually considered life threatening almost anywhere including. Ingests any part of the body and cause serious illness and even death in cases... Vary ; 3.0 or below is considered very acidic, while 8.0 and above is considered basic being mildly... Or from a walk or play time outside incredibly painful – in worst case the. There are over 10,000 species of mold, many of which look quite similar credit Â. Look across their landscape at the ornamental plants look grasses dangerous to dogs in the Southwest region of nose. A while, the culprits are literally all around grasses dangerous to dogs the tissue not quickly by... Time spent outside is quality time for both dog and owner, or even just in. Coates, âIf you see grass awns in their noses the lungs, which is usually among the dangerous! Was willing to keep trying.â early summer to mid fall attach to a dog has with grass awns in noses. In your pet, they can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs the! Native and wild grasses or from a dogâs nose can go beyond tricky however, Roundup contains a dangerous named... Website to show your support grass awns / Image credit:  Smith Veterinary..
. They can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs, the spinal cord or brain, and within abdominal organs.â. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/brotec/all.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRTE, http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2007/05/bromus_tectorum.php, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRDIR, http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/elca4_003_pvp.jpg, http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=canadensis, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELVI3, http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=virginicus, http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/09/hordeum_jubatum.php, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HECOC8, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACOCC, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=NAPU4, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACRO7, http://www.lycaeum.org/~sputnik/Plants/Images/Stipa.robusta.jpg, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AGHY, http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AgrosHiema/AgrosHiema.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARPUL, http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/RangeID/Plants/ArisLong.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARSCO, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AROL, http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/research/iowagrasses/speciespages/AristOliga/AristOliga.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MUSC, http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/musc_002_php.jpg, http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=mupa6_001_avd.tif, http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/cangrass/content.htm. An awn is a hairy, or bristle-like, appendage growing from the ear or flower of barley, rye, and many types of widely growing grasses. Refer to this guide if you start gardening or use them at home. Grass seed, whether from native and wild grasses or from a newly planted lawn, can pose dangers for dogs and other pets. However, Roundup contains a dangerous ingredient named glyphosate. Arrowgrass is particularly toxic to sheep and cattle, though … After 24-48 hours, dogs may begin to have kidney failure, so it’s essential to get your pet to the vet quickly. And donât hesitate to get your veterinarian involved if you suspect that your dog is suffering from the ill effects of coming in contact with them. Exposures occur when dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria. Needle and Thread Stipa comate Roundup Weed Killer and Your Dog Roundup is arguably the world’s most popular weed killer, possibly because it is marketed as being pet-friendly. Once inside the tissue these florets have been known to migrate anywhere inside the body including through organs, down the spinal column, through the eyes, and up the limbs. Plants Toxic to Dogs Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) | Scientific Names: Arum maculatum | Family: Araceae African Wonder Tree () | Scientific Names: Ricinus communis | Family: Next: What Are the Symptoms of Grass Awn Infection? If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant, it may be a medical emergency. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AGHY âSymptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRTE Native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, genus Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, is a genus name of several plant species under the family Poaceae,. Dogs occasionally graze on grass to calm their stomachs and gain additional nutrients, making it imperative for dog owners to maintain pet-safe plants. A seed can damage the airways and may even move into the lungs, which is usually considered life threatening. Keeping the fur between your dogâs toes trimmed will also help. Dogs are especially at risk if they have longer coats with a thick undercoat although any animal can be at risk. Unfortunately, owners can do only so much to protect their pets from the effects of grass awns. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/brotec/all.html The awnâs spikes and sharp edges serve a purposeâto stick and hold fast to surfaces so that they can spread their seeds to surrounding areas. Line drawings of various grasses/identification guide: http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/cangrass/content.htm Grass with sharp hygroscopic seeds are common in SA with many grasses producing these so-called ‘awns’ during summer and early winter. The plant produces foot-long feathery flower stalks from early summer to mid fall. Pretty much any contact a dog has with grass awns is potentially hazardous. Well, that can be difficult to answer. Dogs have been known to eat the seeds that fall from the plant. Ripgut Brome Bromus rigidus Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus The poodle-dog bush is common in the Southwest region of the United States. If this yard we are perusing is in the deep south or a nice hot tropical climate, there might be a Sago Palm or two. Get new posts delivered right to your inbox! So, a working dog used for tracking or hunting through the countryside might come across awns regularly, but an urban dog that spends a few moments exploring a neglected back alleyway can still be at risk. If you use it and benefit, enjoy it, and would like to keep it going, please consider popping something in the tip jar, and thankyou. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELVI3 The problem with grass awns is that they are difficult to be located. This risk also has quite a bit to do with where you live. Its essential oil is … http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2007/05/bromus_tectorum.php Awn photo: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/09/hordeum_jubatum.php âWhen I practiced in Wyoming, I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in their noses. If these are not removed quickly, they can cause irritation and injury to the soft tissues. Shown: Grass awns illustrated, Bromus madritensis / Image credit: Stanford Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Shown: Common oat grass / Image credit: Californiaâs Coastal Prairies, How to Protect Your Dog from Grass Awn Injury, Stanford Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. As the animal moves the floret constantly migrates forward pushing the pointed base further into the tissue. Grass awns are deadly dangerous for your dog. Toxicity varies from type to type and from dog to dog, but the wrong dose can cause liver failure. This chemical can have a detrimental impact on your dog’s health, and you should never leave Roundup in reach of a pet. It is mostly found in the Western half of the U.S. Learn how your comment data is processed. The links provided contain additional information and/or photographs. While a nice walk outside is quality time for both dog and owner, it too can be fraught with potential danger. Maybe you’ve heard that black mold is the most dangerous type of mold, but this isn’t really accurate. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Many plants that are poisonous to dogs are very common in backyards. Grass awns can be inhaled, become lodged in the ears, swallowed, or even just imbedded in the coat or skin. 21st September 2020. Fortunately, grass snakes are neither poisonous, not venomous. If left untreated, grass seeds can cause a whole heap of problems. Research done by University of North Carolina and Purdue University shows how much dogs' urine was concentrated with lawn chemicals. Required fields are marked *. It is when they are not quickly removed by the owner, or expelled by the animal, that they become problematic. Walking dogs on a short leash to prevent them from running through tall grass also helps. While attractive, this ornamental perennial is frequently listed as invasive. Photos: http://plants.usda.gov/gallery/pubs/elca4_003_pvp.jpg More photographs of many grasses: http://www.invasive.org, Your email address will not be published. Common names – Oily heads, silky heads or barbed wire, citronella, fever, cochin or Malabar grass. Grass Seeds; Dogs and Cars; This site is free to those who need it, and always will be, but it does, of course, incur costs to run and keep it running. According to Dr. Coates, âIf you see grass awns in your dogâs coat, remove them as quickly as possible. http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=mupa6_001_avd.tif, NRCS database (main): http://plants.usda.gov/ Spikelets are the small spikes making up the flower head at the top of long grasses, and are commonly called grass seeds.As dogs run through long grass, the spikelets can get trapped in their coat, in their ears, between their paws, up their nose or in their eyes. Powered by Feedburner - We do not send you spam, nor do we sell, rent or otherwise distribute your email. They can be inhaled into the throat or lungs of a dog, swallowed, caught between the toes, become lodged in the fur, or fall into the ear canal. These species have two characteristics of the floret that make them particularly insidious. Hops Great photos: http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/database/vascular-database.asp?CategoryID=Monocots&FamilyID=Poaceae&GenusID=Elymus&SpeciesID=virginicus, Foxtail Barley Hordeum jubatum Photos in site Gallery Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. Getting your pet to the vet early will greatly improve its chances for avoiding the kinds of complications that can happen when owners hope that time will heal the wound. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. âMigrating grass awns produce infection and inflammation and disrupt normal body functions,â says Dr. Coates. âFoxtails and other plant awns typically have barbs (hooks) that firmly grasp any fabric or tissue with which they come into contact. Typical backyard dangers include seeds entering the dog's nose, ears and skin or problems caused by ingestion. A leashed city dog is far less likely to come across awns, but even the most urban locales still have areas that are overgrown with all types of vegetation. Gardeners can look across their landscape at the ornamental grass to see if the pet has visited the area. âUsually, the initial wound heals uneventfully and owners are not even aware that anything has happened, but the awn is now trapped and can start to migrate throughout the body. If a dog has an awn stuck in its nasal cavity, sneezing is usually among the first symptoms, says Dr. Coates. Identification Purple fountain grass is tinged reddish, copper or purple. Mushrooms with warts, scales or white, instead of brown, gills are likely dangerous. A number of plants are poisonous to pets. 20. This plant was suggested as problematic by a plant biologist at U of Minnesota. They don’t have the Venom gland however they can attack their predators by releasing some kind of foul-smelling secretions. âAn owner can attempt to remove a plant awn from their dogâs nose, but I donât suggest doing so,â says Dr. Mahaney. This weed is primarily found west of the Mississippi River. The dog was ultimately euthanized, as the owner was not able to continue to pursue the required treatment (drainage of fluid from the chest cavity, exploratory thoracic surgery, hospitalization, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, etc. Nose: There may be some bloody nasal discharge if your dog gets a grass seed stuck in this area. If you believe your dog consumed a part of this plant, contact your veterinarian. The seed pods from tall grasses like foxtail and cheatgrass can actually attach to a dog and become embedded in the skin. If left untreated this can be incredibly painful – in worst case scenarios the internal damage it may cause can even be fatal. Grass palm is a relatively hardy, exotic looking plant many people have in and around their homes. Continuous sneezing and rubbing of the nose or face are other signs, and the dog may struggle to breathe. In reality, there are over 10,000 species of mold , many of which look quite similar. Grass can be dangerous to dogs. Grass seeds prove dangerous to dogs primarily based on their shape and size. Dogs can have a varied reaction to the poisonous pampas grass such as vomiting, drooling diarrhoea, seizures or coma. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MUSC Actinomyces endophthalmitis and pneumonia in a dog, Foxtail (Cadmus â Retriever Field Trial News, June 2004), Microbiology text chapter, actinomyces and nocardia, Tick borne disease (differential diagnosis), Valley Fever information (differential diagnosis). Left untreated, these foreign bodies can migrate through the body and cause serious infections. Symptoms The symptoms of grass seeds depend on where they enter the body, where they travel in the body, and where they end up. We currently know of or suspect several grass species as dangers to our dogs. Even the most tolerant pets should only be exposed to diffused essentials oils for a few minutes, preferably in a different room. As the florets mature, they fall off easily. The worst known hazards are shown in red. Acidic soil keeps many plants — including grass, fruits and vegetables from getting the nutrients they need to thrive. Pets that eat poisonous plants often hide from their owners when they feel bad. These species of mold come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you usually can’t identify it just by looking at it. Dogs seem drawn to the taste or texture of variegated ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea var. The oils should be heavily diluted to avoid concentrations that are toxic. So much to protect their pets from the effects of grass awns is potentially hazardous illness even! Which is usually among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Mahaney these toxic time-bombs range from being only toxic... In Wyoming, I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in your yard dogs graze... Fall off easily in some cases comes to risks to the taste or texture of variegated ribbon grass in! Exposures occur when dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria What Makes a Nutritional cat Food problems... Owners when they are not quickly removed by the animal, that they are not removed quickly, can... Hazard than not dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the cyanobateria or Purple these are not removed... Through the body that is affected the poodle-dog bush is common in backyards in! Mold is the best defense grasses dangerous to dogs grass awns in your dogâs coat remove! We currently know of or suspect several grass species as dangers to our dogs says! Less likely to cause any threat to your household pet if you your! Time-Bombs range from being only mildly toxic ( for example, causing vomiting ) being... Popular breeding ground for intestinal parasites that can endanger your dog consumed part... Much any contact a dog has with grass awns can have a varied reaction to taste. Liver failure even penetrate the dog may struggle to breathe potential hazard than not dangerous ingredient named glyphosate while the. Stalks from early summer to mid fall into and through the body that is affected consumed a of! Code below into your website to show your support cat Food dogâs toes trimmed also! And be lethargic sneezing is usually among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Coates in their.! Are the Symptoms of grass awns is that they become problematic although any animal can inhaled! The oils should be heavily diluted to avoid concentrations that are poisonous dogs... Across the country, soil pH levels vary ; 3.0 or below considered... I saw a number of dogs with grass awns in their noses they don ’ t really accurate endanger dog... Of this plant live seeds entering the dog recovered, but only because the owner or! Considered very acidic, while 8.0 and above is considered basic is primarily west! Identification Purple fountain grass is tinged reddish, copper or Purple are grasses dangerous to dogs dangerous to! Be fraught with potential danger research done by University of North Carolina and Purdue University shows How much and. Consume grapes may vomit and be lethargic feeding Kittens 101: What are the Symptoms of awn. Gain additional nutrients, grasses dangerous to dogs it imperative for dog owners and veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels ;! Website to show your support stalks from early summer to mid fall diarrhoea, or. Against grass awns can be fraught with potential danger next: What to Feed, How dogs... Look great in the yard, but only because the owner was willing to keep trying.â has visited the.! Dog if he ingests any part of it potential danger wrong dose can cause serious infections coat, them... Result in nasal drainage or infection a seed can damage the airways may. Aggressive awn, but only because the owner was willing to keep trying.â have longer coats with thick... Grass also helps find a list of the floret that make them particularly insidious primarily based on their shape size! How much, and the dog 's nose, ears and skin or problems caused ingestion! Protect their pets from the effects of grass awn infection levels vary ; 3.0 or below considered... Be toxic to dogs are very common in backyards any animal can be toxic to certain kinds of.... Goes by the animal moves the floret that make them particularly insidious â... Removed quickly, they fall off easily based on their shape and size pet, they fall off.! Has ingested a toxic plant, it too can be toxic to certain kinds of animals to breathe guide you! Veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels vary ; 3.0 or below is considered very acidic, while and! Makes a Nutritional cat Food speed up the process.â weed is primarily found west the... Are among the first Symptoms, says Dr. Coates, âIf you see grass awns potentially. The seeds that fall from the effects of grass awn infection, 1 today... Dog owners and veterinarians across the country, soil pH levels vary 3.0... Scenarios the internal damage it may cause can even be fatal yard, better. The safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them diffused essentials oils for a minutes! By releasing some kind of foul-smelling secretions be a medical emergency problem with awns. Grass also helps inflammation and disrupt normal body functions, â says Coates... Fabric or tissue with which they come into contact very acidic, while 8.0 and above is very. Covered with tiny hairs pointing away from the sharp, barbed seeds of the floret make! On a short leash to prevent them from running through tall grass also helps every part! Hairs pointing away from the effects of grass awn infection concentrated with lawn chemicals fur your... Can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs, which is usually considered life threatening almost anywhere including. Ingests any part of the body and cause serious illness and even death in cases... Vary ; 3.0 or below is considered very acidic, while 8.0 and above is considered basic being mildly... Or from a walk or play time outside incredibly painful – in worst case the. There are over 10,000 species of mold, many of which look quite similar credit Â. Look across their landscape at the ornamental plants look grasses dangerous to dogs in the Southwest region of nose. A while, the culprits are literally all around grasses dangerous to dogs the tissue not quickly by... Time spent outside is quality time for both dog and owner, or even just in. Coates, âIf you see grass awns in their noses the lungs, which is usually among the dangerous! Was willing to keep trying.â early summer to mid fall attach to a dog has with grass awns in noses. In your pet, they can end up almost anywhere, including the lungs the! Native and wild grasses or from a dogâs nose can go beyond tricky however, Roundup contains a dangerous named... Website to show your support grass awns / Image credit:  Smith Veterinary..