[SOLVED ] Q. Our shih-tzu gets grass blades stuck in her throat/nasal interface and is in distress for hours. Is there any way we can dislodge the grass?

Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :

A. You can try to remove them with your fingers or forceps. But there is a chance of tearing of the grass and piece of it will still be there. If it won’t be possible see your vet to do this under anaesthesia.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

This is an emergency situation and these dogs should be taken straight to the vet. Although rarer in dogs than in cats, it is possible for dogs to get a piece of grass stuck at the back of their throat, which causes a sneeze, cough, or repetitive swallowing.

According to Dr. Coates, “If you can see the grass awn protruding from your dog`s nostril and you have a very cooperative dog, you can try grasping the awn with a pair of tweezers and pulling it out. In any other case, leave the removal to a veterinarian.” Removing an awn from a dog`s nose can go beyond tricky.

In most cases, grass blades are removed whilst a cat is under sedation (so the vet can examine the soft palate), however, in some rare cases a cat is able to sneeze out a grass blade! We always recommend bringing your cat (or dog) to the vet if you suspect they have a lodged grass blade.

Grass seeds, foxtails or just about anything your dog can fit up that nostril can become lodged in the tender inner lining of the nose, causing irritation and subsequent sneezing fits. Think about it- your dog`s sense of smell is exponentially better than your own; he literally sees the world through smell.

A grass seed that gets stuck in the throat can cause inflammation and swelling. Reluctance to eat or refusing to eat at all, vomiting and coughing are all signs that are linked to swallowing a grass seed.

Most dogs with something stuck in their throat will not want to eat and if they do will not be able to swallow. Some make repeated gulping movements. If the object is not completely blocking the oesophagus it may be present for several days before other signs are noticed.

Inhaled Foreign Body Removal Procedure in Dogs

Your veterinarian will insert the endoscope into the nasal cavity or into the esophagus to retrieve the foreign body. This endoscope will have a tiny view point or a camera to view the intrusion.

You can wipe your dog`s nose with a clean tissue. Has the discharge or snot dried up? Then soak it off with a warm, damp and clean cloth.

Cats eating grass may accidentally chew on toxic plants or foliage contaminated with pesticides, and grass can become lodged in a cat`s throat after becoming stuck at the back of the nostril.

Sometimes it is common for a healthy cat to gag. Cats will often gag when there is something stuck in the back of their throat. Gagging is often accompanied by swallowing, craning of the neck, and widening of the mouth.

The seeds are swallowed. If swallowed, they may stick to the back of their throat near the tonsils. This will cause inflammation and swelling. Pets with seeds in this area may cough, retch, or gag, and have difficulty eating and swallowing.

A discharge from just one of your dog`s nostrils is often a sign there`s something stuck in that nostril, like a seed or blade of grass. Other signs include sneezing, pawing at the nose, and nosebleeds. If you can easily see what`s in your dog`s nose, carefully remove it with tweezers.

Kennel Cough is the most likely cause of your dog`s cough. It`s usually a dry, hacking cough that sounds almost like your dog has something stuck in their throat. Kennel Cough is highly contagious, dogs are most likely to get it when they`re around other dogs.

A dry, hacking cough can sound like a dog is trying to dislodge something from the throat or mouth. A raspy-sounding, hacking cough can be a symptom of kennel cough, a contagious upper respiratory illness that dogs often get from places where many dogs congregate.

If your dog is hacking or constantly making noises that make it sound like they are choking on something, they may have a case of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), or kennel cough, or sometimes called canine infectious tracheobronchitis.

If you know your dog swallowed an object, call your veterinarian immediately and take your dog to the vet`s office as soon as possible. The doctor may be able to induce vomiting or retrieve the object from the stomach before serious problems set in.

The digestive tract is essentially a long tube, passing food from the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach, through the lengthy small intestine, then forming stool in the colon and out the rectum. It generally takes ingesta (all that is swallowed) from 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract.

While the grass itself may not be harmful, the herbicides and pesticides sprayed on it can be toxic for your dog. Also, when plucking the grass from the ground, your dog may ingest intestinal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms that contaminate the grass in fecal residue from other dogs.

If they spend too much time eating grass, some dogs can develop gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis typically causes gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, Akers says.

If a grass seed is stuck in the mouth or nose you may notice excessive salivation, licking or sneezing. You may also start to notice an unpleasant smell, discharge from the nose or saliva tinged with blood. A grass seed that manages to find its way into the lungs is a serious matter and could be life-threatening.

There is not really too much harm that can come from touching your dog`s nose and some trainers will even tell you that it is a sure fire way to address bad behaviors. To be honest, they are right, it does work. That being said it is painful for them, and it is not beneficial to their health.

Never rub a dog`s nose in urine or feces, or punish a dog for an “accident.” This will teach your dog to fear you, and he may hide when he has to “go.” It is not instinctive for dogs to relieve themselves outside; it is only natural for them to not go where they sleep.

Grass Relieves Upset Stomach in Cats

In the process of throwing up the grass, your cat will likely clear their stomach of other things like fur, feathers, parasites or bones, which can irritate the digestive tract or even cause more serious problems.

Note: Sewing needles, especially those with thread attached, are common foreign bodies in cats. Cats play with the thread and start eating it, eventually swallowing the needle attached to the thread. Sometimes needles pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any problems.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. Why do dogs eat grass?

ANSWER : A. Some pet parents get concerned when they see their favorite canine nibbling on grass in the yard. They wonder whether it is because hunger, boredom or an indication of an underlying illness. Often the consumption of grass will result in vomiting because it irritates the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. This is an extremely common problem for dog parents. There is no one reason for why dogs exhibit these behaviors and it is very much dependent on each dog. Here are some of the reasons why our dogs choose to eat grass:

1. Nutritional Issues

Historically speaking, dogs are considered omnivores, which mean they consume a variety of both meat and plant-based food. There is some indication that dogs with a low fiber diet may choose to scavenge in the grass to fulfill this nutritional deficiency. These dogs may also find that grass has an appealing flavor and consistency. If you feel that this may be the reason for your beloved canine consuming grass then consider discussing with your veterinarian on how to incorporate more fiber into your dog’s diet.

2. Boredom

Many dogs who are not receiving adequate exercise will be become bored and search out activities to occupy their time, including eating grass. Evaluate how much exercise your dog is getting on a daily basis and consider more walks or other fun activities, such as playing fetch or tug of war.

3. Upset Stomach

There is a belief that dogs with an upset or gassy stomach will self-medicate by consuming grass. Vomiting often follows this grass eating activity eliminating the contents of the stomach or changing the gas distension within the gastrointestinal tract. However, there is not much scientific evidence to back up this theory. If you are concerned about too much gastric acid in your dog’s stomach or any other underlying medical issue that could be the reason for their grass eating, consult with your veterinarian.

Overall, grass eating is usually not toxic to your dogs unless your lawn contains chemicals, including pesticides or herbicides. Monitor your dog’s behavior along with his diet and exercise to determine if there is a reason for the inappropriate grass snacking.

Read Full Q/A … : Why Do Dogs Eat Grass – Vet Q&A

Q. Our shih-tzu gets grass blades stuck in her throat/nasal interface and is in distress for hours. Is there any way we can dislodge the grass?

ANSWER : A. You can try to remove them with your fingers or forceps. But there is a chance of tearing of the grass and piece of it will still be there. If it won’t be possible see your vet to do this under anaesthesia.

Read Full Q/A … : Port Manteaux Word Maker – OneLook Dictionary Search

Q. Why does my dog eat grass?

ANSWER : A. As another user mentioned, dogs can eat grass when they want to vomit. Sometimes, when a dog has an upset tummy, they will eat grass. If you notice your dog eating grass frantically, you can assume vomiting will shortly follow. Grass does not digest and pass normally. If your dog eats too much grass, it can cause serious issues with pooping. Your dogs poop can end up all tangled inside of her, and it can need veterinary assistance to remove it. The same goes for celery, so avoid feeding celery to your dog.

The other day my boyfriend accidentally left the laundry room door open where we were keeping the trash that was filled with cooked chicken bones. She ate one of the chicken bones lightning fast. We had to induce vomiting by feeding her some hydrogen peroxide. After we had fed her the peroxide, she immediately began frantically eating grass because her tummy was upset.

If there is something lacking in your dogs diet, it could be that your dog is eating grass to make up for it. I am sure that my dogs diet is extremely well balanced (I do not only feed her an air-dried raw food-type diet (Ziwipeak), but a wide variety of safe, healthy foods), so when she eats grass, I know that it is because she has an upset tummy.

That is why I think it is important making sure your dog has a very well balanced diet. If your dog is on a low quality kibble, your dog may be trying to let you know by eating grass (or eating poop).

Read Full Q/A … : Why Dogs Eat Grass: Causes and Prevention – WebMD

Q. ALL ABOUT EYE CONTACT.. MY FEMALE ESS, UPON GETTING EYE CONTACT FROM PEOPLE SHE CRIES, WHINES & WANTS TO JUMP FOR ALL THE ATTENTION SHE CAN GET..

ANSWER : A. Somewhere along the line she has learned that this gets her something she wants, attention, food, something, and now we have to teach her that behaving and being quiet gets her what she wants. Don’t reward her whining and bouncing by giving her attention. Instead, ignore her, going about your business until she quiets and settles down. THEN give her a treat, petting, and praise. She needs to learn that being the well-behaved dog is what will get her the attention she craves. Teaching her obedience will help her learn how to behave in various situations and to look to you for how to behave. And, above all, make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good, happy dog and one who is less likely to bark and misbehave from boredom or frustration. Depending on breed, age, and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys. Kong toys filled with peanut butter are an excellent way to reward her for being quiet and keep her that way for a good while as she plays with her toy and gets the peanut butter out.

Read Full Q/A … : FAQ about dogs – Dog Breed Info – Dog Breed Info Center®, DBIC

Q. My dog keep hacking like a cough or something in her throat, what can I do?

ANSWER : A. Hacking and coughing can be caused by a number of things ranging from foreign bodies such as twigs stuck in the mouth or throat, to infections or illnesses such as Bordetella or Kennel cough, common in dogs that frequent kennels, dog daycare or dog parks. In older dogs, heart and lung issues can also be indicated by a cough that does not go away.

If you think there may be a foreign object stuck in your dog’s throat, you can sweep a finger gently through the back of the mouth or throat if your dog will let you. If something feels stuck and is not easily moved by the finger, it is best to contact your vet to have the object safely removed. This usually requires sedation so that your dog does not become panicked or move, causing the object to become further stuck or cut the throat.

If your dog is showing other symptoms of illness in addition to the cough such as runny nose or eyes, fever, lethargy or changes in appetite, it may indicate a viral or bacterial illness such as kennel cough. These are usually treated with a cough medication in severe cases, plus rest and treatment of any additional symptoms until the condition improves. In bacterial causes, antibiotics may also be given to help your dog feel better.

If your dog has a constant cough that does not go away, or has had changes in ability to exercise, breathing, or appears to have swelling around the chest or abdomen, in may indicate a lung or heart issue. Your vet can thoroughly examine your dog for any signs of heart or lung problems and can then offer care as needed depending on the cause.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog Coughing: Types and Causes – WebMD

Q. My cat is excessively scrstching herself., to the point she has sores. She is strictly an indoor cat. Did have flees been treated for 2 months

ANSWER : A. For every flea you see on your pet, there are 100 more in the environment. Get your pet on a good topical or oral flea control through your vet. In flea control, you get what you pay for. Consider asking your vet for a dose of Capstar. It helps get the problem under control by killing the fleas on the pet starting in five minutes but only lasts for 24 hours.

You need to treat your home environment. If you use a pest control service, tell them you are having a flea problem and they can adjust their treatment. Use a premise spray that also contains an IGR, insect growth regulator. This keeps eggs and larvae from maturing into adults and helps break the life cycle. Also, vacuum EVERY DAY, throwing out the bag or emptying the canister every time into an outside receptacle and spraying the contents with insecticide to kill the fleas youâ€™ve vacuumed up.

Treat your yard too, since fleas are opportunistic and will hop a ride into your home on your pant leg without you knowing it. Concentrate on areas under bushes, in the shade. Fleas are less likely to be located in open sunny areas where it gets hot.

If chemicals are a problem, you can use borax. Sprinkle it into rugs, into corners and under furniture, use a broom to work it into the fibers and let it sit for hours, days even. It won’t hurt you or your pet to have it present. Then vacuum it up, reapply as needed. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be gotten from a health food store and worked into the rugs and corners in the same way as borax. These treatments aren’t as fast and effective as chemical insecticides but they can help.

You might want to consider boarding your pet for the day at your vet, to give you the opportunity to flea bomb your house without having to worry about your pet being exposed. They can bathe your pet and give a dose of Capstar while you treat your home.

Be patient, you may have to repeat these steps multiple times 10-14 days apart to help break the flea life cycle.

Skin problems can have a variety of causes, sometimes more than one. It is important to have the problem checked by your vet to determine if there is a medical cause for your petâ€™s skin issues and treat accordingly.

In pets of all ages, fleas, food allergies and exposure to chemical irritants such as cleaners and soaps can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin.

Check for fleas with a flea comb. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. You may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle.

If you use plastic bowls, this is a possible cause for hair loss, though this tends to be on the chin, where their skin touches the bowl while they eat. If you suspect this to be the culprit, try changing the bowls to glass, metal or ceramic.

Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a protein in the food. Hill’s Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as prescription hypoallergenic foods for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.

If there is no relief or not enough, consider getting your pet checked by a veterinary dermatologist and having allergy testing done.

Read Full Q/A … : Cat Excessive Licking, Scratching, and Chewing Causes

Q. My 13 year old male cat is acting lethargic & doesn’t seem to be feeling well. I don’t know what’s wrong except that he has fleas. Can too many fleas

ANSWER : A. Excessive fleas can cause anemia in cats, left untreated, this can be life-threatening. I recommend getting your cat seen by your vet right away for his illness. For every flea you see on your pet, there are 100 more in the environment. Get your pet on a good topical or oral flea control through your vet. In flea control, you get what you pay for. Consider asking your vet for a dose of Capstar. It helps get the problem under control by killing the fleas on the pet starting in five minutes but only lasts for 24 hours.

You need to treat your home. If you use a pest control service, tell them you are having a flea problem and they can adjust their treatment. Use a premise spray that also contains an IGR, insect growth regulator. This keeps eggs and larvae from maturing into adults and helps break the life cycle. Also, vacuum EVERY DAY, throwing out the bag or emptying the canister every time into an outside receptacle and spraying the contents with insecticide to kill the fleas youâ€™ve vacuumed up.

Treat your yard, since fleas will hop a ride into your home on your pant leg without you knowing it. Concentrate on areas under bushes, in the shade. Fleas are less likely to be located in open sunny areas where it gets hot.

If chemicals are a problem, you can use borax. Sprinkle it into rugs, into corners and under furniture, use a broom to work it into the fibers and let it sit for hours, days even. It won’t hurt you or your pet. Then vacuum it up, reapply as needed. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be gotten from a health food store and worked into the rugs and corners in the same way. These treatments aren’t as fast and effective as chemical insecticides but they can help.

Be patient, you may have to repeat these steps multiple times 10-14 days apart to help break the flea life cycle.

Read Full Q/A … : My Cat has this problem – Symptoms – Vetinfo.com

Q. My dogs were given Hartz ultrguard seven days ago. Can they be given frontline now because they still have fleas

ANSWER : A. In flea control, you get what you pay for. I would wait one more week before applying another product.

For every flea you see on your pet, there are 100 more in the environment. Get your pet on a good topical or oral flea control through your vet. In flea control, you get what you pay for. Consider asking your vet for a dose of Capstar. It helps get the problem under control by killing the fleas on the pet starting in five minutes but only lasts for 24 hours.

Read Full Q/A … : hartz kills – HartzVictims.org