Understanding Cheatgrass: What Makes This Invasive Grass So Dangerous

I was recently speaking with one of my equine friends and realized, that if you aren't from Tri-cities, you may not know what this prolific grass is, and the risk it poses, not just to the ecosystem, but to your animals! One word for you... abscess.

The plant communities most affected by cheatgrass invasion are those below 6000 feet in elevation. These include the pinyon/juniper woodland, sagebrush, and salt-desert shrub community types. Sooo, all of Tri-cities. And as much as it is dangerous for the local plants, fire risk, and that it's extremely invasive... we're going to focus on how dangerous it is for your dog, or horse. Cheatgrass when in the ground looks like this

When the seeds have fallen out, this is what they look like.

The seeds of this grass have a pointed end, and they are meant to burrow. If they get stuck in your pet's fur or paws they will and can work their way into the skin. If untreated, or not found, these seeds can work up under skin and cause undetected dangerous infections.

Since dog paws are walking all over trails and paths and brush, they are prone to collecting these seeds in their fur and in between their paw pads. And don't forget the ears! These seeds love to find their way into ears and noses of your pup. What dog doesn't like to have a little sniff, and that can be where they get these seeds in their nose which then work their way up the canal.

Horses are more likely to eat cheatgrass and get them stuck in their gums... the seeds working up under the gums can be very problematic and can cause health issues that you may not notice. Such as lesions under the tongue, abscess etc... most of the time, horses will show no outward signs of pain. The sharp, bladelike grass penetrates the mucosa in the mouth and creates painful sores. They can be removed, but are usually uncomfortable and may require your veterinarian to give sedation. Once removed, the mouth will heal quickly. Watch especially round roll hay for this type of grass. Also, keep an eye on your equine partner's mouth. If you are concerned, have your veterinarian perform an oral exam. I have found a more in depth article on this, listed below. So, if you can't keep your pup out of the cheatgrass, and even if they are just walking on the park pathways, make sure to give their paws a thorough look over in between those pads! And do your best to keep your horse from getting their mouths on this tempting snack. They can be fast to grab a quick bite. Link to an article on equine and cheatgrass, https://www.horseandman.com/medical/problems-associated-with-cheatgrass-in-horses-mouths/01/15/2019/ If you want to know more, or where you need to worry about cheatgrass being present... here's a bit more info, or there is more info online. Cheatgrass was introduced through contaminated grain seed, straw packing material, and soil used as ballast in ships sailing from Eurasia. This first occurred between 1850 and the late 1890’s 

During this time, abusive use of rangelands, coupled with drought, left many Great Basin rangelands in poor condition. Cheatgrass was able to occupy areas where the native vegetation had been reduced, beginning its persistent march across the landscape. It can now be found across the landscape from the bottoms of desert valleys to mountain peaks as high as 13,000 feet. Happy and Safe exploring! - The HDS Team