Grass Seeds Getting Deep Into a Terrier's Ears
by Nuno
(Portugal)
Two times this month 2 of those arrows entered very deep inside the ear channel of the small stature terrier and, as they have barbels, they just penetrate in one direction. I didn´t suspect anything until the arrow hurts the dog and he became unconfortable. It was necessary to visit the veterinary to find and pull them out.
My question is if there are any ear protection against those kind of solid intruders that don´t affect dog´s earing capability. Many thanks in advance.
Those barbed seed heads are often called grass awns or foxtails, and they are a well-known hazard for dogs. Because the barbs only let them move forward, they can travel deep into the ear canal and even damage the eardrum, so it was right to see your vet.
Some companies sell lightweight mesh hoods designed to keep grass seeds out of a dog's ears, eyes and nose on walks through long grass. Choose one that fits snugly without pressing on the ears, and watch that he tolerates it. Because it's a light mesh, it shouldn't muffle sound much, but no cover is 100% reliable, so keep checking his ears. Other things that help: keep the hair around the ear opening trimmed short, avoid areas of tall, dry grass when the seeds are ripe, and check his ears, eyes, nose, paws and between his toes after every walk. As he has had two this month, ask your vet to recheck his eardrum, since a seed or its removal can damage it.
Sudden head shaking, tilting the head, or pawing at one ear after a walk is a classic sign of a grass awn. Go to your vet the same day, because the sooner it's removed, the less damage it does. Don't try to remove one from deep in the canal yourself.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
