Dog injured – walk becomes a nightmare for dog lovers!

Dog injured – walk becomes a nightmare for dog lovers!

A harmless walk can quickly turn into a nightmare. As in the case of Ines Dix and her dog, who had a painful experience in Neubrandenburg's Katharinenviertel. After an outing, the dog sustained an injury from an awn, which led to severe nosebleeds. In order to remove the awn, veterinary sedation was required. This incident has drawn attention to an often underestimated risk that many dog ​​owners face.

Awns, which come from various grasses and grain plants, are pointed seeds common during the warm season. They can enter animals' bodies in a variety of ways, causing serious injuries. So-called “barbs” on awns cause them to become stuck, which can lead to painful consequences, especially for dogs. Dr. Holger Nietz, a veterinarian, explains that injuries caused by awns are particularly common in the summer months. He reports many patients with awn injuries, especially in July.

Warning signs and symptoms

What symptoms should dog owners keep an eye on? Common signs include shaking the head, redness of the eyes, swelling in the ear canal, and violent sneezing when awns irritate the nose. Areas such as the ears, nose and paws are particularly susceptible. If the awn has penetrated deeply, it may be necessary to see a veterinarian to receive appropriate treatment. Tips for quick help include immediate removal with tweezers and a thorough check of the fur after every walk, whereby specific areas should be examined to identify awns and ticks.

Ines Dix expressed her anger towards the city of Neubrandenburg because she complains about the lack of maintenance of public green spaces. Despite her repeated requests about maintaining the meadows, she did not receive a satisfactory response. Dix, who pays almost 100 euros in dog tax annually, expects an appropriate infrastructure for dog owners. However, the city of Neubrandenburg has stated that the lawns in the Katharinenviertel are mown three times a year by a contracted company. According to the city, there were delays in mowing last year, which led to the dangerous awns spreading unhindered.

Prevention and protection

To avoid such incidents in the future, experts recommend various protective measures. Dog owners should avoid areas with tall grasses and grain fields during the summer months. It also makes sense to check dogs thoroughly after walks and, if necessary, use protective clothing or paw shoes to minimize the risk of an awn injury. Short fur can also help you recognize awns more quickly.

The important message for all dog owners: acting quickly is crucial if an awn injury is suspected. In many cases, a quick visit to the vet can prevent worse consequences. In this context, Dr. Nietz: “Control is better than forbearance.” Therefore, walks in nature should be combined with careful aftercare in the future to ensure the well-being of our four-legged friends.

For more information and tips on the subject of awns and their dangers, you can read the reports here: Northern Courier, True love for animals, and Easy Dogs.