How Do Grass Awns Injure Dogs?
Pretty much any contact a dog has with grass awns can be potentially hazardous. Grass awns can be inhaled, become lodged in the ears, swallowed, or even just imbedded in the coat or skin. It is when they are not quickly removed by the owner, or expelled by the animal, that they become problematic
If a dog has an awn stuck in its nasal cavity, sneezing is usually among the first symptoms, after a while, the problem might result in nasal drainage or infection. A dog might also excessively rub its nose.
Some of the symptoms of plant awn imbedding include inflammation, redness, irritation, and draining sores on the skin which have a clear or purulent (pus) discharge, It's also recommended to be on the lookout for draining tracts (an opening to the skin surface from which clear or purulent discharge drains), licking, scratching, chewing, or pawing at the site, lethargy, depression, and a decreased appetite.
A grooming brush can go to great lengths to remove a tangled awn from a dog’s coat, and this is a good time to also inspect the dog’s snout and between its toes for any foreign materials. Keeping the fur between your dog’s toes trimmed will also help.
Carefully examining your dog after walks and time spent outside is the best first line of defense against grass awns. And don’t hesitate to get your veterinarian involved if you suspect that your dog has might come in contact with them.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.3% Hmm, maybe?
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11.7% Yes!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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Mags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this year with a gift that lasts long after the holidays are over.
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