Grass awns, commonly known as “foxtails”, pose a serious health risk to pets, particularly during the dry summer months in Kamloops, BC. These barbed seed heads, found in grasses like foxtail barley, needle grass, and speargrass, can embed into your pet’s skin, ears, nose, or paws, leading to painful infections and, in severe cases, life-threatening internal damage.

At Oriole Road Animal Hospital, we believe that education and prevention are key to protecting pets from this often-overlooked danger. This guide will help you understand what grass awns are, how they affect pets, and what steps you can take to prevent and treat injuries.

What Are Grass Awns and Why Should Pet Owners in Kamloops Be Cautious?

Grass awns are sharp, seed-bearing structures that easily attach to fur and burrow into a pet’s skin. Their barbed shape allows them to migrate deeper into the body, leading to infections and inflammation.

Common high-risk areas in Kamloops include:

  • Kenna Cartwright Park
  • Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area
  • Tranquille Wildlife Management Area

Dogs that love exploring fields, trails, or overgrown areas are particularly vulnerable. Learn more about how foxtails affect pets in this AKC guide on foxtails.

Hidden Dangers: How Grass Awns Affect Pets

Once a grass awn becomes embedded, it can travel further into the body, potentially reaching vital organs. Common locations of entry include:

  • Ears → Can cause severe ear infections, pain, and even hearing loss.
  • Eyes → Can result in ulcers, infections, or vision damage.
  • Nose → Can cause severe sneezing, nasal infections, or even lung abscesses.
  • Paws & Skin → May burrow under the skin, leading to painful abscesses and systemic infections.

For more information on foxtail dangers and how they can migrate, visit OutFox Field Guard’s guide to foxtails.

Potential Medical Consequences

If left untreated, grass awns can lead to:

  • Granulomas (inflamed tissue masses that damage surrounding areas)
  • Pneumothorax (lung collapse from an awn penetrating the lung cavity)
  • Peritonitis (life-threatening infection if an awn enters the abdominal cavity)

Learn more about preventing and treating foxtail injuries in dogs at Preventive Vet.

Signs That Your Pet May Have a Grass Awn Injury

Recognizing early symptoms is essential to prevent severe complications. Look for:

  • Excessive head shaking or pawing at the ears
  • Red, swollen, or watery eyes
  • Frequent sneezing or nasal discharge
  • Limping or licking paws excessively
  • Swollen lumps or abscesses on the skin

If you notice any of these symptoms, your pet may require immediate veterinary attention. Visit our Oriole Road Animal Hospital Services page to learn how we can help.

Preventing Grass Awn Injuries: Steps Every Pet Owner Should Take

1. Regular Grooming & Fur Inspection

  • Brush your pet daily, especially after walks in grassy areas
  • Check paws, ears, and armpits for seeds stuck in the fur
  • Trim long fur, particularly around the feet, ears, and belly

For expert grooming advice, read the ASPCA’s guide on pet grooming.

2. Protective Measures for Outdoor Adventures

  • Use a protective field guard mask for dogs exploring tall grasses
  • Invest in booties to protect sensitive paw pads
  • Avoid overgrown areas during peak grass awn season (late spring to early fall)

Emergency First Aid for Grass Awns

If you suspect your pet has a grass awn lodged in their skin, ears, or nose, follow these steps:

  • Surface-Level Awns: Remove with tweezers if the awn has not yet penetrated the skin.
  • Deeply Embedded Awns: Do not attempt to remove them. Seek veterinary care immediately.
  • Ear Involvement: Clean the area carefully and monitor for redness, head shaking, or foul odor.

For proper ear cleaning techniques, read Cornell University’s guide on cleaning your dog’s ears.

Diagnosing & Treating Grass Awn Injuries at Oriole Road Animal Hospital

If your pet has a suspected or confirmed grass awn injury, we provide:

  • Thorough physical exams to identify the awn and assess infection risk
  • Advanced imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans) for deep-seated awns
  • Endoscopy or minimally invasive surgery for nasal or respiratory cases

For internal injuries, prompt surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent life-threatening complications. Meet our expert team at Oriole Road Animal Hospital.

Long-Term Recovery & Prevention Strategies

Post-Treatment Care

  • Monitor the area for swelling, redness, or discharge
  • Administer prescribed antibiotics or pain medications as directed
  • Prevent licking with an Elizabethan collar (cone)

Future Prevention Tips

  • Check your pet after EVERY outdoor adventure
  • Schedule regular vet check-ups for early detection
  • Train your pet to tolerate paw and ear exams using cooperative care techniques
  • Learn more about Cooperative Care for Dogs from Preventive Vet.

FAQs About Grass Awn Safety

How common are grass awn injuries in Kamloops?

Very common—especially in outdoor-loving dogs that frequent grassy trails and fields.

What happens if a grass awn isn’t removed?

It may migrate deeper into the body, causing chronic infections, abscesses, or even organ damage.

How do I know if my pet needs immediate vet care?

If your pet has difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or persistent head shaking, see a veterinarian immediately.

How Oriole Road Animal Hospital Can Help

At Oriole Road Animal Hospital, we specialize in:

  • Early detection and removal of grass awns
  • Advanced diagnostics for internal migration cases
  • Preventive care strategies for high-risk pets

Grass awn injuries can be painful, dangerous, and costly, but early detection and prevention can make all the difference.

Schedule an appointment today to ensure your pet stays safe this summer!

Visit Oriole Road Animal Hospital in Kamloops, BC for expert veterinary care.