3 things you need to know about awns—grass seeds that can seriously injure your hunting dog

Dangers lurk in wetland fringes, open prairies and agricultural fields. Grasses such as foxtail and spear grass have barbed awns on their seeds that can penetrate a dog’s skin, irritate its eyes and, when inhaled, move deep into the body. For plants, awns help spread their seeds. For dogs, however, they can lead to infections, abscesses and, in extreme cases, life-threatening problems. Here’s what you should know about the risks, and how to avoid them.

#1  DETECTION

Green foxtail, a common, awned grass, is easily identifiable—even from a distance—as it normally grows in large patches. The seed heads appear soft and wispy, and as the seeds ripen, they turn from green to white. While scouting, note these patches of grass and avoid hunting them, especially earlier in the season before the seeds drop. Later in the fall, dog boots can help prevent injuries to paws.

#2  SYMPTOMS

Once an awn attaches to a dog’s body, the barbs allow it to work its way deeper into the tissue. Awns embedded in toes, for example, can lead to swelling or limping; constant licking is a sign there’s a problem. Head shaking is not natural, so it may mean there’s an awn in the dog’s ear, moving deeper into the ear canal. Eyes are also susceptible, with difficult-to-remove awns causing redness, discharge and swelling. Uncontrollable sneezing, meanwhile, can be a sign a barb is lodged in the dog’s nasal passage.

#3  REMOVAL

Early detection and removal is best. If you find a barbed seed on your dog, detach it immediately. Using tweezers, grip and carefully pull off the seed to avoid breaking it, as the remnants can penetrate even deeper into the dog’s body. When that happens, surgery may be required. And don’t wait—awns in eyes or airways can migrate to the brain or lungs.