| In short : With the return of sunny days in Île-de-France, a formidable threat to our dogs appears in parks, fields and on the aisles of the roads: spikelets. These dry herbs, also called “travelers”, stand out from their stems and cling to the hairs of animals. Due to their harpoon shape, they always progress towards the front, shove under the skin or into the holes, and can cause serious infections. – Risk areas in Île-de-France: The unmowed tall grass from the peri-urban parks (Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, departmental parks of Seine-Saint-Denis or Val-de-Marne) and the plains of Lessonne or La Seine-et-Marne. – Frequent entry points: The ears, the spaces between the pads, the nostrils, the eyes and the genital areas. – Symptoms that should alert: A dog who shakes his head frantically, who licks his paw in a compulsive way, who sneezes in a burst after a walk or who presents a swollen eye. – The good reflex: Carefully inspect your dog after each outing and immediately consult a veterinarian in Île-de-France if you suspect the presence of a buried spikelet. |
Every year, from May to September, veterinary clinics in the Paris region face a resurgence of emergency consultations related to spikelets. This danger, although natural, should not be taken lightly. A spikelet not removed in time can migrate deep into the body and perforate vital organs like the lungs or eardrums.
To enjoy the summer walks with complete peace of mind with your dog, it is essential to know the places at risk in the Ile-de-France region, to know how to identify the signs of infestation and to adopt the right prevention actions.
1. Why is Lépillet so dangerous for the dog?
Lépillet is the dried spit of certain wild grasses (such as Wild Lorge). Its dangerousness lies entirely in its anatomical structure.
The mechanism of the “harpoon”
The ends of Lépillet are pointed and have small inverted hooks. When it comes into contact with the dog’s coat, the movement of the animal makes it progress along the hairs. Due to its notches, Lépillet can never back down. It ends up puncturing the dog’s fine skin or by entering a natural orifice, creating a progression channel (a fistulous path) which quickly sinfects (abscess).
2. Geolocation of risk: black spots in Île-de-France
The dépillet risk is particularly high in areas where the vegetation is not regularly mowed down. In Île-de-France, several sectors require increased vigilance:
- The inner suburbs and the Parisian woods: The Bois de Boulogne (16th) and the Bois de Vincennes (12th) have large areas of dense meadows. Departmental parks such as the Georges-Valbon park (La Courneuve, 93) or the Parc de Sceaux (92) also present risks on the edge of dirt roads.
- The Great Crown (77, 78, 91, 95): The agricultural plains of Seine-et-Marne, the hiking trails of the forest of Fontainebleau, the Chevreuse valley in the Yvelines or the Vexin trails in the Val-Doise are major proliferation areas at the end of spring.
Summary table: Symptoms according to the affected area
| affected area | Immediate symptoms in dogs | Risks and complications |
| the ear | The dog bends his head, shakes her violently and moans if touched. | Perforation of the eardrum, deep purulent otitis. |
| The legs (cushions) | Lameness, obsessive licking between the fingers, appearance of a small red hole. | abscess of the paw, migration of Lépillet along the leg. |
| The nose (nostrils) | Violent and repeated sneezing, sometimes nosebleed (epistaxis). | Perforation of the nasal passages, passage of Lepillet in the lungs. |
| the eye | Closed eye, red, abundant tears, the dog rubs his head to the ground. | Corneal ulcer, eye perforation, eye loss. |
3. Prevention and first aid: the right reflexes
The best weapon against spikelets remains the vigilance of the owner. Here are the measures to take throughout the hot season:
- Post-walk brushing: After each outing in the Ile-de-France nature, inspect your dog from head to leg. Pass your fingers between his pads, check the inside of his ears and inspect the folds of his skin (armpit, groin).
- Strategic mowing: If you have a long-haired or curly dog (cocker, Poodle, Cavalier King Charles, Australian Shepherd), Have a short mow groomer the hairs between the pads and around the ears. This greatly limits the hang points.
- Avoid tall grass: On a walk, keep your dog on the marked trails and avoid letting him run in the wastelands or fields during drying.
What to do if you suspect a spikelet? If the spillet is still visible on the surface (just planted in the hair or at the entrance to the skin), you can gently remove it with tweezers. On the other hand, if it has already penetrated into the ear, eye or nose, Never try to remove it yourself. You risk pushing it deeper or hurting the animal. Take it immediately to your usual veterinarian or to an emergency clinic in Île-de-France.
FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Can a spikelet come out on its own?
No, it’s extremely rare. Due to its shape, the spillet always progresses towards the interior of the fabrics. If it penetrates under the skin, the animal’s body will try to defend itself by creating an abscess, but Lepillet will continue to migrate as long as it has not been surgically removed.
How does the veterinarian remove a spikelet?
If the spillet is in the ear or under the skin superficially, the veterinarian uses special forceps (Hartmann’s clip) under light sedation or general anesthesia to immobilize the dog and avoid lesions. If Lepillet has migrated deeply (in the nose or lungs), an endoscopy (introduction of a small camera) is essential to locate and extract it.
Are there physical protections for dogs?
Yes, today there are protective accessories for particularly exposed dogs. In particular, there are fine net protective balaclavas (head nets) that protect the ears and eyes of hunting dogs or watchdogs during risky outings. Lightweight protective ankle boots can also be used to protect sensitive pads.