During spring and summer, there is a little-known but real threat to our canine companions: the spikelet season. These tiny fragments of grass plants can cause serious problems for Medor. How to prevent it? We tell you everything!

What is a spikelet?

A spikelet is a part of some grasses, usually those that grow abundantly in spring and summer. It is small and pointed, easily detached from the plant, and is capable of clinging to animal hair. The spikelets can move in the direction of the hair, thereby penetrating the animal's skin and causing various conditions.

Risks for dogs

Spikelets are a danger to dogs because of their ability to penetrate skin and move through body tissue. They can lodge in the ears, eyes, nose, or mouth, or even penetrate the skin. Once a spikelet has sunk into the skin, it can continue to move, causing intense irritation and potentially serious infections. If a spikelet is inhaled or ingested, it can even reach the lungs or intestine, creating serious complications that often require surgery.

Dogs with long hair, or those who spend a lot of time outside, especially in grassy areas, are at greater risk.

Prevention

To protect your dog from spikelets, the first step is to minimize their exposure. From May to September, avoid areas where spikelets may be present during walks. After walks, examine your dog carefully, paying particular attention to sensitive areas like ears, eyes, nose, and paws.

If you have a garden, another preventative measure is to mow your lawn regularly and remove the grasses that produce spikelets from your garden.

Healing and treatment

If your dog shows signs of irritation, such as excessive scratching, shaking his head, coughing, or if he seems to be in distress for no apparent reason, a spikelet may be the cause. Do not attempt to remove it yourself as this may cause more damage. If you suspect a spikelet, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

The veterinarian will probably be able to remove the spikelet using tweezers if it is still on the surface. However, if the spikelet has already moved deep into the body, surgery may be required. X-rays or ultrasound can help locate the spikelet in the body.

After the spikelet is removed, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to fight any potential infection and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain. It is crucial to follow your veterinarian's instructions for post-operative care to ensure complete recovery.