Give it more life
Tips for taking care of your dog's health and safety
Spike in Dog
News
·
April 25, 2024
Why are spikes the most dangerous thing for dogs during this time?
If a spike seed ends up in your dog, it will be on a one-way journey inside the animal. And it will not dissolve on its own.
The seeds of foxtail have a sharp front tip that penetrates the skin or enters through an opening, while the hook-shaped barb prevents it from coming out. These seeds are on a one-way trip to the inside of your animal, as they do not dissolve on their own.
The only solution is to extract it. Since the way these foxtails embed is not something common, it can be quite a challenge for owners without medical training. The best they can do is consult their veterinarian. If left untreated, a foxtail seed can cause infections, foxtail abscesses, or something worse. They can travel through the dog's body to the lungs or other vital organs, leading to severe complications and, even, death.
Paying attention to this plant is the first step to preventing your dog from suffering from its harmful consequences. Knowing what foxtails look like in order to identify them and avoid the danger when possible. If owners can recognize the foxtail, we can help our dogs avoid contact and act appropriately when exposed.
An extreme case is that of Nano. This curious puppy suffered inflammation in the hip the day after bumping into a tree trunk. His trusted veterinarian diagnosed and treated him for a bacterial infection, but the swelling returned.
After some unsuccessful treatments, radiologists performed an ultrasound where the trace from the initial injury area to the abdomen was observed. Surgery extracted the foxtail seed that had embedded in the hip and was just 3 mm from the aorta. After spending a few days in the hospital, he returned home, where he successfully recovered.
How to identify a foxtail
These foxtails, also known as fox tail grass, resemble the shape of a fox's tail. You will recognize them as hairy pods shaped like a tail or animal mane that grow vertically from the stem. There are many species of grass that belong to this group of plants and they can be found in large parts of the U.S., Canada, and Spain (though they are less present in the southeastern U.S.).
The spikes spread quickly after the spring rains. They are harmless in the winter months, but a real plague from mid-April to autumn, when the seeds dry and cling to fur. These grasses grow in a wide variety of environments, especially in open areas such as road edges, parks, trails, and fields.
You can even find them in your own garden. Remove any weeds as soon as you find them. Pull them out by the roots or spray them with vinegar on hot days.
The spikes spread quickly after the spring rains. They are harmless in the winter months, but a real plague from mid-April to autumn, when the seeds dry and cling to fur. These grasses grow in a wide variety of environments, especially in open areas such as road edges, parks, trails, and fields.
You can even find them in your own garden. Remove any weeds as soon as you find them. Pull them out by the roots or spray them with vinegar on hot days.
Types of spikes This type of grass has many names. Among others:
Paitén or cat's tail Cigua or panizo Giant fox tail Espiguilla (also known as bromus tectorum, barabueyes or ballico) Majal or fine grass Fox tail Membrillejo Awns or spikes of grasses and herbs Signals.
Treatment of Spike Injuries
If your dog has been injured by a spike, it is important to act quickly to prevent complications. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.
The spikes that have embedded in the skin can cause local infections that require medical attention. In some cases, advanced tests such as ultrasounds or X-rays may be necessary to locate and remove the spike. Early detection and proper treatment are essential to ensure a complete recovery and prevent serious complications.
The Dangers of Spikes
Spikes can cause various health problems in our dogs:
Dermatitis: They can get caught in the dog's long hair, forming knots that affect skin perspiration and cause dermatitis.
Simple wounds: The sharp tips of the spikes can embed in the dog's skin, especially in the paws, causing wounds.
Wounds with pus: If a spike remains embedded in the dog's skin, it can lead to an infection and form a pus-filled abscess that requires veterinary intervention.
Otitis: If a spike penetrates the dog's ear, it can cause an ear infection.
Breathing difficulty: If the dog inhales a spike, it may experience difficulty breathing, sneezing, and nasal bleeding.
Ocular ulcers: A spike in the eye can cause pain, inflammation, and loss of vision in the dog.
How to prevent damage caused by burrs?
It is essential to take preventive measures to protect our dogs:
Post-walk check: After each walk, check your dog's fur and skin for burrs and tangles, especially in the paws and ears.
Haircut: If your dog has long hair, consider trimming it to reduce the risk of burrs getting caught.
Watch for symptoms: Pay attention to signs such as excessive licking, pain, or swelling, as they could indicate the presence of a burr.
Remember, burrs are not just a nuisance; they can pose a serious danger to your dog's health.
Expelling a burr: How to help your dog?
If you suspect that your dog has inhaled or ingested a burr, it is crucial to act quickly. Here are some steps you can follow to help your dog expel the burr:
Observe the symptoms: Pay attention to signs such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, frequent sneezing, or unusual behavior, such as excessively licking their nose or mouth.
Monitor the breathing: If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, stay calm and avoid panic. Try to soothe your dog and keep them in a comfortable position.
Encourage coughing: If you suspect the burr is stuck in your dog's throat, you can try to stimulate coughing. To do this, you can apply light pressure to your dog's abdomen or give gentle pats on their back.
Provide water: Keep your dog hydrated by offering fresh water to drink. This can help lubricate the throat and facilitate the expulsion of the burr.
Consult a veterinarian: If the symptoms persist or worsen, or if you suspect the burr is causing internal damage, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Final Warnings
In summary, burrs pose an invisible but significant danger to our dogs' health during the summer months. With their ability to penetrate the skin and cause a range of health issues, from local infections to migrations to vital organs, it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect our dogs. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of burrs, thoroughly check your dogs' coats after each walk, and act quickly.
If you believe a seed has lodged itself slightly and you manage to remove it, it is wise to make an appointment with the veterinarian, as there may be remnants left in the dog.
All veterinary experts warn us, and at Kolyy, we want you to enjoy, but with knowledge, without fear, and preventing to be prepared, so you can act quickly.
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