it looks like stickers from a foxtail or cheatgrass. Either one is arrow shaped with sharp spines that are difficult to pull out and can work its way into the dog's skin and can cause infection. After a romp through grassy areas check the dog thoroughly to remove any stickers before they are imbedded. There are websites that explain how best to remove them.

Keeping the grasses continually cut down so they don't go to seed is one non-toxic way to control or spraying with an herbicide designed to kill grasses and any broadleaf plants that are sprayed.

Thanks for using Ask an Expert.