Cheatgrass causes health risks in dogs, Idaho Humane Society warns

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — The Idaho Humane Society says there's a rise in cheatgrass cases with dogs, and once it works its way in, it can cause your animal serious health risks.

Cheatgrass has little spines that can break off causing general infections and other complications. If the barbs are brand new, and not too deep, owners can gently pull it out.

The barbs can be inhaled, get lodged in the ears, swallowed, or embedded in the skin.

"Now if you’re going into the foothills, if you’re walking along the river, any animal can pick this up and it gets embedded in your skin, it can get in your teeth, paws, ears, it’s pretty bad," said Kristine Schellhass for the Idaho Humane Society. "If you’re taking your dogs outdoors, and if you’re going in the foothills, your dog is definitely going to encounter some cheatgrass, it’s going to be an issue until late August."

Schellhass said there are precautions owners can take including brushing your pet as soon as you get home, paw booties, masks, or "different gear depending on what you're looking to do in the foothills."

If your dog looks uncomfortable or shakes and bobbles its head, vets encourage you to bring your pet in.

"We often have to sedate dogs and sometimes we'll even have to do surgery to get the cheatgrass out," explains Schelhass.