Sticker Burs: Tiny Seeds, Big Problems

Sticker Burs are some of the more serious pet hazards in our area: not only can they work their way into any part of your dog or cat, but they’re very hard to find in a pet’s fur. They like to get around, too—a bur in the nose can migrate to the brain and one in the skin can eventually make its way to a lung.

To decrease exposure to sticker burs, try to keep your pet out of tall grasses where these painful seeds may be lurking. If your pets are outside frequently, brush them regularly and check for burs over their entire body, paying special attention to your pets’ ears, mouth, nose, between their toes, and around the base of their tail.

While you can use tweezers to remove sticker burs you find on your pet right after attachment, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended if you notice the following symptoms:

• Constant licking of an area, especially feet or genitals
• Limping or swelling of a foot
• Shaking the head, tilting it to one side, or scratching incessantly
• Redness, discharge, swelling, pawing, or squinting of the eyes
• Frequent or intense sneezing, or nasal discharge

At Animal Medical Center of Tyler, we encourage you to ask us any questions you have about sticker burs and how they affect your pet. For more information, or if you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact us at (903) 617-6891 or reach out online.