Usually when people think of plants that can be harmful to their dogs or cats they immediately think of poisonous plants such as: lilies, English Ivy, cow parsnip, yew bushes, and many others.  However, in my experience there is a non-toxic plant that plagues more dogs and cats than all the poisonous plants combined.  That plant is an invasive grass found throughout the United States and Canada that is particularly common in Wallowa County.   Bromus tectorum, known as Cheat grass, is a non-native species, which was accidentally introduced into the United States in the mid 1800s and has all but taken over the American West.

Whats so dangerous about Cheat grass?

As the grass matures, the dry seed awns start to fall off.  These awns have microscopic barbs that allow the seed to work its way into the fur, skin, ears and mucous membranes, but not work back out similar to porcupine quills. Cheat grass awns are frequently found deep in the ear canal, between the toes, under eyelids, in the mouth, nose, and the vulva of female dogs.  Because of their one-way travel they readily pierce and migrate into the animals skin, traveling under the skin or even entering the chest or abdominal cavity, potentially leading to life threatening complications.  Cheat grass awns that enter the ear canal often result in ear infections and can readily pierce ear drums.

Preventing contact with grass awns altogether is the most effective way to avoid the discomfort and possible serious complications of migrating grass awns.  The following suggestions may help reduce your pets exposure:

Learn to recognize Cheat grass and keep it out of your pets environment.

Keep your pets coat clean and well-groomed.

Do not allow your pet to run in dry grassy fields or roadsides where Cheat grass is prevalent.

Inspect your pet daily for Cheat grass awns that may be between their toes or in mats in their hair.

Clipping the hair between paw pads in dogs will reduce the likelihood of picking up Cheat grass.

Knowing what to look for will help your pet experience fewer of the irritations of Cheat grass.  Clinical signs that may indicate Cheat grass exposure include excessive sneezing, drooling, head shaking with a head tilt, scratching ears, whining, licking at paws or other body parts, limping or swollen regions between the toes, lethargy or fever.

If your dog or cat begins showing these symptoms, have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further pain and damage.  Finding and removing grass awns early can save your pet a lot of discomfort.