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The City of Calgary, Airdrie and areas are reminding pet owners that as fall rolls in, to remain vigilant and avoid foxtail barley seeds. Foxtail barley is native to Alberta, but can cause painful problems for dogs as their seeds dry out.
Foxtail barley is slender, native grass that usually grows to between 20 and 70 centimeters, with soft, bushy seed heads. They can turn from pink to gold-ish as the plant matures.
The City of Calgary said the seeds, or awns, dry and break apart as we enter fall, but barely survive in disturbed soil. Because of this, and the fact that foxtail barley is native to Alberta, natural areas in which the plant can be found will not be disturbed, but the City of Airdrie says in it’s manicured parks, staff will mow the heads off the seeds to limit the spread of the plants.
Airdrie encourages pet owners to avoid allowing them to walk through foxtail patches, as the seeds can also stick into the dogs nose, fur, paws, eyes and mouth of pets. Always inspect your dogs for foxtail awns after a walk.
Calgary says to bring your dog to the vet immediately if you notice head shaking, sneezing, scratching, rubbing or chewing. Airdrie’s guidance is more broad, and says if you notice anything unusual after your dog comes into contact with a foxtail patch, to bring them to the vet immediately.
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