After a day of hiking or running in a field, thistles or other thorny pods can get stuck in your dog's coat. Such plant clusters that attach to the fur can be several small curls or even a single large one. Regardless of the size, it can be difficult to take them off, as well as painful for the animal; therefore, take the time to learn how to remove them correctly without causing pain to your four-legged friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Find them
Step 1. Identify what the pods look like
These are seeds on which there is a hook or a "tooth" that is used to attach to the hair of the animals that walk next to them with the aim of spreading. Such pods can have all different shapes and sizes, but they are always seeds that attach themselves to animals.
The awns have the same characteristics as the spiny curls, except that they look like bristles with a shape similar to fishing hooks; in both cases, however, they stick to the body of the animals and to remove them it is necessary to proceed in the same way. However, in the case of awns, the seeds can physically enter the dog's skin, causing pain, infection and, in extreme cases, even death
Step 2. Look for curls on your faithful friend's body
Both spiny pods and awns can attach themselves to any part of the dog's body; if it runs in lawns, weed-filled areas or wooded areas, you need to carefully check the following points:
- Auricles;
- Nose;
- Eyes;
- Armpits;
- Under the tail;
- Between the toes and on the pads of the paws.
Step 3. Pay particular attention to the presence of these thorny seeds towards the end of the growing season
This is the most dangerous period, which coincides with the moment in which the plants dry up and are ready to spread their seeds in the environment. At this time of year, you should comb your dog's coat every day to get rid of curls.
Part 2 of 3: Take them off
Step 1. Remove the visible ones
Use your fingers to remove any pods or loins that have not lodged in the animal's fur. Proceed very gently, remember that your four-legged friend does not like the hair being pulled.
- Try to remove them by untangling the fur around them with your fingers.
- You can wear gloves so you don't get pricked, especially if it's hard, thorn-like curls.
Step 2. Comb the hair
Use a wide-toothed metal dog-specific comb or one for frizzy hair. Insert it under any visible pods or loins and gently pull outwards; this way you should be able to loosen it.
If it's very stuck, you can start at the edge of the tangle and work your way in
Step 3. Break off the spiny pods
You can use pliers to squeeze them and cut them into smaller pieces for easier removal later.
When following this method, be careful not to pinch your fingers or the dog's skin
Step 4. Trim stubborn curls
Sometimes these plant residues need to be cut away, especially in long-haired specimens with a very thick and tangled undercoat. You must proceed with extreme caution as you may burn your skin on contact with the hot razor blades or cut it with sharp scissors.
- The best way to cut away thorny clusters is to tuck the comb under them and sever the hair above the comb; this way, you protect your dog from injury.
- If you are concerned, consult a professional groomer to trim the bristly pods off the dog's coat. he should be able to proceed safely.
Part 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Prevent your dog from going to areas with weeds or tall grass
When taking him for a walk, keep him on a leash to keep him from entering areas with weeds or thorny pods. This is a very important precaution, especially at the end of the growing season, when the seeds are ready to fall off the plants.
Step 2. Be especially vigilant and especially avoid letting your pet inhale a pod or a chop
The latter is very dangerous, as it can enter your faithful friend's nose and mouth as he runs between plants and be inhaled or swallowed during a breath. The arista attaches itself to the gastric or respiratory tract tissues, as well as to the hair, causing severe damage or even death.
- There are metal mesh muzzles to be connected to the collar that protect the whole muzzle from the awns and thorny pods.
- If you are concerned that there is an arista inside your dog's body, contact your vet promptly to have him examined as soon as possible. It is virtually impossible to detect these foreign bodies with traditional tools (ultrasound or x-ray), so it is a difficult problem to diagnose and treat. The only symptoms are lethargy and general malaise.
Step 3. Protect your pet
You can purchase protective clothing at pet and hunting stores. If you can't stop your dog from going to areas with tall grass and weeds, buy some protection.
