Wild grasses are everywhere in Colorado. They grow tall in the spring and begin to seed in mid-summer through the fall. It is during this time of year you need to be cautious of the dangers grass seeds can pose to your dog. Because the grass awn has a barb on the end, it works like a fishhook. It slides into place, sticks easily, and is difficult to remove. 
The grass awn ranges in size, but is approx 1/4 inch long on average. Because it is so small, and most dogs run through grasses with their head down, the grass awns can lodge in the ear, eye, between the toes, and can even be inhaled! Once embedded, the grass awn can cause irritation and infection quickly. And because they embed so deeply, they can often go unnoticed until a sedated exam or surgical exploration is performed. By this time, they can migrate causing further damage and infection.
Pete Dieball, a 5 1/2 year old English Pointer, is an avid runner and had his own experience with a grass awn. He is active in the fields during the fall and winter and often goes hunting with his owner. Because pointers use scent to track game, his head is down and nose is constantly to the ground. Pete came to us because he was shaking his head excessively. He did not have an obvious ear infection (no smell, no redness or swelling, no discharge or debris). 
The doctor recommended a sedated ear exam because Pete’s ear was painful and he would not allow a thorough exam by the doctor. During the sedated exam, the doctor was able to probe the ear speculum deep into the ear canal and visualize a grass awn that had imbedded deeply in the ear canal. It was removed easily and Pete recovered quickly. But not all dogs are this lucky. Pete’s owner knew to bring him in quickly to prevent the grass awn from migrating deeper. If she hadn’t, the grass awn could have penetrated the eardrum!
You can be proactive by removing the seedpods from any ornamental or wild grasses in your yard and by discouraging your pet from chewing on them. You can also protect your dog by not taking it into the wild natural areas after the grass has seeded. If you go hiking or hunting with your dog, it is difficult to avoid those areas, so examine your dog after each excursion. Brush the hair while feeling for raised areas on its skin. Be sure to specifically check the armpits, between the toes and around/in the ears. If you see an embedded grass awn, contact your veterinarian for professional removal.