Is it safe for dogs to play in long grass? How can I stop my pet from getting hurt?
MY two-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to play in long grass. Other dog walkers have warned that this can cause problems. What is your advice?
A FOXTAIL grass, which has sharp arrow-shaped leaves, is very common at this time of year and can cause problems.
The tips are very sharp and can easily cut the skin, causing discomfort.
The seedheads can also cause problems, especially in the ears, between the toes and under the eyelids.
Seeds that get into the ears can cause a very painful ear infection
Seeds that get into the ears can cause a very painful ear infection.
This is easy to spot as the dog will hang its head to one side and not allow you anywhere near the ear.
Removing the seeds requires special forceps and is normally done under sedation or even anaesthesia.
Cyst-like lesions can develop between the toes and these can burst if the dog licks the foot excessively.
If untreated, the seeds can travel up the leg and then cause further problems.
In these cases anaesthesia is required to remove them so it is much easier if the problem is picked up quickly.
Occasionally the seeds can get lodged under the eyelid. This is very painful and causes the eye to close up.
Should this happen, prompt veterinary attention is required in order to save the eye.
● David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.