Dogs picking up in barley

[JMikeyH]

Was chatting to one of my landowner's sons the other day and he said in conversation that he allows his dog (fox lab) and his mates allow their dogs to pick up pigeons shot over barely. I queried this to him as although I don't have a working dog myself I'm positive I've read on here that is is actually very dangerous to allow dogs to pick up in barley as it potentially leads to horrible injury and even death from the barley itself getting stuck in eyes, between toes etc but he reassured me and said there's never been an issue.

Again, I don't have a working dog so I didn't press it. Can anyone here give a bit more info? I'm sure he'd appreciate it if I pressed the issue to him if there is a real danger to his dog that he is ignorant to but when I'm not speaking from my own experiences I thought best to check that there is indeed a risk.

So, is barley dangerous for dogs to pick up in? Is it significantly more dangerous than other crops?

Cheers

 

[deerstalker.308]

Grass seeds of any kind can be an issue for dogs but never heard barley specifically being an issue.....

 

[Rocko]

I’ve heard of barley puncturing the skin etc. Never seen it so can’t say if it’s just an old wives tale or not.
But as the gent above said grass seeds are high up on the list of things that cause dog injuries.

R.

 

[Utectok]

In my experience stubble is fine but shooting over standing barley can be a problem. It gives them very sore eyes.. cold teabag sorts it but best be careful where you send the dog

 

[wildfowler1]

Terrible stuff especially when ripe and laid. Drags up between the toes then it carries on up into the leg on its own. Wf1

 

[malmick]

Terrible stuff especially when ripe and laid. Drags up between the toes then it carries on up into the leg on its own. Wf1

A guy I used to shoot with lost an ESS in this way. The barbs on the seed made it migrate from the foot and up the leg where it caused a malignant tumour.

 

[Buchan]

All grass awns have this hazard for dogs and they can be a nightmare to deal with, but I don't think barley is any worse - it just feels it in our hands.

 

[Utectok]

All grass awns have this hazard for dogs and they can be a nightmare to deal with, but I don't think barley is any worse - it just feels it in our hands.

Ever done any picking up on standing or wind blow barley. It’s nothing like grass sorry. Can cause near blindness trust me I’ve been there

 

[Jelen]

Not forgetting that Barley straw should never be used for dog bedding either. The stiff points break off and can penetrate the skin or get in the eyes.

 

[Lincsstalker]

Can be bad news if the barbs break the skin , can soon end up , up inside the leg

 

[Class870]

I thought shooting over standing crops wasn’t allowed