Dog owners warned to look out for this plant in France to avoid pet injuries
Action can be taken to help avoid these tiny spears which can be fatal to animals in spring and summer
The texture and shape (like a harpoon) of a spikelet means that it burrows into the skin and cannot be pulled back out
Yav_Olha, Dmitriev Mikhail / Shutterstock
Dog walkers and pet owners should be checking their animals for injuries and irritations caused by wild grass spikelets, warn French vets.
This alert comes after a wave of spikelet-related veterinary emergencies across France since mid-May, reports Lyon-based media, Le Progrès.
A spikelet (un épillet) is a spear-shaped floret that grows at the tip of wild grasses and can be found in rural and urban areas, but particularly in fields, meadows, parks, gardens, along roadsides, and among tall grasses in all regions of France.
They appear from spring to late summer, or even early October if weather conditions are particularly warm.
These tips, once dried-out, can detach from long grass and easily cling to your pet’s hair, get lodged in orifices, and pierce areas such as the ears, eyes, nose, tongue, paw pads.
A dog may also try to eat a spikelet, which could then get lodged in the throat, cheek, gums or tonsils, causing an abscess.
If not immediately removed, spikelets can burrow into an animal’s skin, causing injury or even death.
Read also: Spring walks: beware of these French plants that are toxic for dogs - and watch out for animal threats
Symptoms to look out for
It is not always easy to spot spikelets, especially if an animal has long hair. This is why it is important to inspect your animal after walks and pay attention to tell-tale signs such as:
If your animal is acting unusually or displays any of these symptoms, check the area for evidence of a spikelet being lodged in their hair or skin.
Read also: Alert after several dogs found to have been poisoned in south-west France
Action to take
If you notice a spikelet that has not penetrated your pet’s skin and is trapped in their coat, it can be removed. Make sure to disinfect the area and check that no inflammation occurs.
If the spikelet is embedded in the skin, do not try to remove it as you may further injure your dog or fail to remove it in its entirety. You should avoid attempting to use tweezers, especially around your pet’s eyes or ears.
It is highly unlikely that the spikelet will fall out on its own. The texture and shape (like a harpoon) means that it continues to burrow in and cannot be pulled out.
It is important that spikelets are properly removed. You should call a vet for advice or go to a veterinary surgery.
How to help avoid spikelets
Getting a haircut
Take your animal to a groomer for a trim before summer, especially if they have long hair.
You can also cut the small hairs around the ears, between the paw pads, and brush your animal regularly leaving no knots or tangles.
This will not prevent spikelets from clinging to the hair but may make them easier to find if they do.
Mowing the lawn
If you have a garden, make sure to mow the lawn to get rid of any wild grasses. You could also use a brush cutter or strimmer from early spring time until autumn.
Do not forget to remove any cuttings from the ground so that your animal does not step on them.
Read more: People with gardens urged to spot and report this common but dangerous pest via French ministry site
Monitoring walking routes
You can also pay attention to the presence of wild grass or spikelets while walking your dog (or other animals), and keep them on a lead in areas you are unsure of.
Several Facebook groups exist where people share images to highlight areas where they have spotted spikelets. This can help pet owners to avoid certain parks or streets where their animal could be in danger. Check if there is a ‘STOP ÉPILLETS’ group for your local area.
