Alert: Grass Seeds and Pets

Long walks through parks, fields and grassy paths are one of the joys of spring and summer. But at this time of year, grass seeds can be a hidden hazard for pets –  especially dogs.

Grass seeds are small, sharp and arrow-shaped. They can easily catch in your pet’s coat, become trapped between toes, or work their way into ears, eyes, noses or skin. Once they get stuck, they can be very uncomfortable and may cause irritation, infection or injury.

They’re a big problem for dogs, particularly those who enjoy running through long grass, but cats occasionally pick up grass seeds too.

Why are grass seeds a problem?

Unlike most plant matter, grass seeds don’t break down or stay on the surface. Once attached, they can:

• Burrow under the skin, causing painful infections or abscesses

• Get stuck in ears, leading to shaking, head tilting and pain

• Lodge in eyes or noses, triggering discharge, swelling, or sneezing

• Travel deeper, sometimes requiring surgery to locate and remove

The sooner a grass seed is found and removed, the easier it usually is to deal with.

Where do grass seeds get stuck?

Grass seeds are most often found in:

• Paws, especially between the toes

• Ears

• Eyes

• Nose

• Armpits

• Groin

• Long or curly coats

Signs your pet may have a grass seed

Grass seeds are not always easy to see, especially once they have moved into the coat or under the skin. Signs to watch for include:

• Sudden head shaking

• Scratching at one ear

• Licking or chewing a paw

• Limping

• Redness or swelling between the toes

• Sneezing or pawing at the nose

• Squinting or rubbing an eye

• A small sore, lump or discharge from the skin

If your dog starts shaking their head after a walk, or begins licking one paw repeatedly, it is worth checking carefully and contacting your vet if you are concerned. The earlier a grass seed is found, the easier it is to remove.

Check your dog after walks

A quick check after walks can help prevent problems. Run your hands over your dog’s coat and pay close attention to the paws, ears, armpits and groin. Look between the toes and around the pads, especially if your dog has been running through long grass.

For dogs with long or curly coats, regular brushing and keeping the hair around the paws and ears trimmed will help reduce the chance of grass seeds getting trapped.

Cats who spend time in gardens or long grass can also benefit from a quick coat check, especially if they have longer fur.

When should you call the vet?

If you can see a grass seed sitting loosely in the coat, you may be able to remove it gently. But if it appears embedded, your pet is in pain, or the seed is near the eye, ear or nose, it’s best to contact your vet.

Please do not try to dig out a grass seed yourself, as this can push it deeper or make the area more sore.

Need help?

Noticed limping, sneezing or irritation that isn’t going away? Worried your dog or cat may have picked up a grass seed? Don’t wait – call us on 01689477747 or book an appointment and we’ll take a closer look and act quickly.

Quick tips

• Check your dog after walks in long grass.

• Pay close attention to paws, ears and armpits.

• Trim fur around vulnerable areas

• Look out for limping, shaking, or swelling

• Book in quickly if you spot a problem – early action prevents bigger issues