Centerville Road Animal Clinic

JUST ANOTHER REMINDER TO EVERYONE ABOUT THIS SEASONAL DANGER:

TODAY OUR BREED EXPERT is looking at the dangers grass seeds can pose for dogs

Many of us are now coming up to the dreaded grass seed season; when seeds or ‘awns’ off some particular grasses can lodge in our dogs’ feet, noses, ears or elsewhere on the body, pierce the skin, and then sometimes migrate, with movement, ever deeper into the body unless removed in time.

There are few owners I know who do not have some horror story to tell of grass seeds migrating up noses, or up legs from the toes, or even being swallowed or inhaled and damaging the mouth, throat or lungs. For once inside the body they really can cause havoc, including recurring abscesses or more serious infections.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY – AND KEEP CHECKING
Pictured are some of the most common dangerous grass seeds found in the UK, but in other countries there may well be many others. Either way once the grass seed season starts – and it seems to go on ever longer these days – get into the habit of always taking with you on a walk a pair of tweezers and a small finer toothed comb.

Then, every time your dog goes through areas where grass seeds are shedding immediately check the following areas on them: the eyes (are there any seeds trapped between the eye and eyelids?) the nose, ears (lift back the ear flap, and see if seeds are sitting in the hair around the outer ear, and thus may fall further down into the ear canal itself if not removed.

Then, the feet and particularly between the pads and toes – one of the most common areas for grass seeds to lodge. They may then keep piercing further into the toes as your dog moves, and sometimes even migrate up the legs to cause massive infections there. If seeds have gone in a bit deeper between the toes, use the tweezers to remove them.

Next, check other areas on your dog like the armpits, groin/genital area, chest, belly, legs and sides, to ensure no seeds have lodged there, and use your fine comb to remove them as soon as you can.
It can take less than a minute to go through this routine all over check on your dog after going through grass seed areas, but save them so much later suffering if you do – as well as a potentially pretty hefty vets’ bill for you!

LATER DAMAGE
Sometimes – and particularly on dogs with thicker or longer coats - you may miss a seed that is then able to go further into the body and do more damage later. So if – during the grass seed season - you see your dog persistently shaking their head or scratching at one ear, a grass seed may well have gone down it. Similarly if your dog develops sores, infections, lumps or swellings on the body over a shorter period of time, and during the grass seed season, or keeps chewing at their feet, consider the possibility that a grass seed could be the cause of this when seeing your vet. You can find a lot more on the perils of grass seeds via this link:
https://thepethospitals.com/beware-grass-awns/

In the meantime, constantly be vigilant to the grass seed peril – and stay safe out there!
All text ©Carol Price 2023/Collieology

"Salo" says hi!

With road conditions not improving we will remain closed this afternoon.

Due to the high probability of bad roads and the closures of school and daycare facilities. I have decided to close Thurs 2/3 all day and Friday 2/4 in the am opening at 1pm pending roads.

Power out all across south Garland. Clinic closed for now

These 6 adorables were rescued from the feral life but need homes. 2 Orange males, 1 tabby male, 1 tabby female, 1 black female, 1 gray male. Anyone up for some kitten fun. Please contact the clinic and we will get you in touch with the rescuer.

The newest addition to the CRAC family. Panchetta loved by Nancy

Please bear with us. To make things more difficult we have one phone line not working.

Please be kind. Everyone likes a fireworks show but not all night long every night for a week.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1400849193421152&id=100004882541193

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilita/6577001349/sizes/l/

Space Etiquette For Dogs A very important message to dog lovers. Feel free to download and share! www.flickr.com/photos/lilita/6577001349/sizes/in/set-7215... Or purchase the poster/flyers at: www.zazzle.com/lilita See blog post: boogiebt.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/boogie-is-a-dinos-dogs-... (early version of the poster which...

With talk of relaxing stay at home orders, we need to be aware of how our dogs will handle not having people around 24 hours a day. This talk is by leading behaviorist to help them transition.

https://www.vbsthetrainingstudio.com/onlineclasses

Online Classes | the-training-studio Suddenly working from home? Is your dog bored? Are you? Do you want to have some fun while maintaining social distance? If you answered “yes” join us ONLINE for an hour packed with enrichment ideas and options.

CAPC Monthly Animal Parasite Alert A new regional parasite update is now available!

Stole this meme, we have clear collars available so you can keep working.
https://www.facebook.com/154791767895034/posts/3704047392969436/

😷

Free oravet with all dentals done before April 30th. Schedule early and enjoy clean breath.

https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/01/my-dog-hates-his-nails-cut/?utm_source=facebook-page&utm_medium=share&utm_term=tater-trimming-dog-nails&utm_content=&utm_campaign=

Help! My Dog Hates His Nails Cut ... What Do I Do? | Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog Tips to help your dog put nail trimming fear behind him, and lessen the trauma for you both!

I'll be following this the next few months.

https://www.wfaa.com/mobile/article/life/animals/puppy-developed-rabies-while-housed-at-stephenville-animal-shelter/287-07199891-8e5f-4584-9469-198f9e8e079c

Puppy developed rabies while housed at Stephenville animal shelter Anyone who visited the Erath County Humane Society is urged to see a doctor.

Scary, this could easily be a dog as well.

https://ktla.com/2020/01/11/courageous-cat-chases-off-3-coyotes-in-highland-park/

Courageous Cat Fends Off 3 Coyotes in Highland Park A Highland Park family's cat, Max, held his own against three coyotes who surrounded the pet in its backyard Monday. And the tense standoff was caught on video. Kimberly Cheng reports for the KTLA 5 News on Jan. 10, 2020.

So very true

https://youtu.be/spjJNcycRMQ

Training your pet to take medication This is a video on teaching your pet to take medication, without touching your pet. This technique can be used for a variety of species with slight modificat...