Cheatgrass is a grass that has barb-like seeds that can get stuck in your pet's fur, skin, ears, nose, and under the eyelids. It is a prolific spreader, that reseeds every fall when the temperatures drop. It dries out in summer and leaves ripe fodder for wildfires. It can compete with native plants and invade a landscape with its tenacity.
Seeds can work their way into any part of your pet's body and cause pain and/or infections, if you don't catch them early enough. It is common to see cheatgrass in the ears and nose, under the eyelids, and between the toes, especially in long haired pets.
Here is a list of things you can do to protect your pet:
Check your yard for cheatgrass and remove it while it is green.
Check your pet after walks and remove any cheatgrass before it has a chance to migrate.
Clip the hair around your pets feet to prevent cheatgrass from attaching to the hair.
Watch for signs of irritation in your dog such as pawing at ears or eyes, tilting or shaking his head, tearing, squinting, discharge, coughing, swallowing repeatedly, or swelling/sores between the toes.