How to protect your dog from spikes this summer

However, we have to be careful on our walks as some things can get in the way and turn a day of fun into drama for our best friend. Heat waves are not the only danger that we can find in summer; Spikes are just as dangerous and can have serious consequences if not treated right away .

The spikes are made up of small spike-shaped seeds that, when dry, detach from the stems and spread very easily. You'll most likely find them on hiking trails and in open fields, but they can also grow in parks and gardens.

Knowing this, you will wonder how it is possible that this tiny seed can be so dangerous for our dogs. The answer is this: the spikes get tangled up in the dog's fur and get into almost every part of his body, from the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, ears and, of course, the paws. They can have serious consequences for dogs, since, once they have reached any internal part, the spikes cause infections and abscesses. In the worst case they can even migrate to the muscles. Therefore, it is very important to act immediately and eliminate them as soon as possible.

Signs that may indicate the presence of spikes

The truth is that it can be quite difficult to know if your dog has a piece of ear in his body, but there are some signs that you can pay attention to:

• Eyes : if they are watery and with mucous secretion.

• Nose : if you sneeze or bleed.

• Mouth : if you cough excessively or swallow repeatedly.

• Ears : if he shakes his head and complains.

• Paws : if you notice that the paw is continually bitten or licked between the fingers. If you see an abscess, it means that the spike has already made its way into its legs.

Sometimes similar symptoms can appear even though the problem is not caused by the spikes. However, knowing that it is a widespread and common danger in summer, we recommend that you take your dog to the vet for a check -up if you notice any of these symptoms.

What the vets recommend

It is essential to remove the spikes from the garden or from the area where your dog usually spends time without a leash.

Watch for spikes during walks and try to keep your dog away from them. Carrying a short leash for the walk is an advantage, as it helps to keep the situation under control.

The most important thing is to check the dog after every walk or outdoor game. Comb it carefully and inspect the fur, ears, eyes, nose, and paws, especially the space between the toes.

What to do if we detect spikes in our dog

If you detect a spike in your dog, the first thing we recommend is to assess whether it is still superficial. That is, if it was in the hair, you could still remove it with your hands or with the help of tweezers, making sure that there is no part of the spike left.

However, if the spike has already penetrated the skin, it is best to go to the vet as quickly as possible. It's important not to try to do this at home as the dowel may break into pieces and some parts may be left inside.

Use this information with a dog walker

Gudog dog walkers often plan multiple walking routes in areas they know are dog-friendly. However, we always recommend talking to the sitter before any walk to agree on the areas where you will walk, as well as your dog's walking routine, any medications they take or any allergies they may have, etc.