Grass Seeds - Summer's Little Dangers

Every year during June, July and into August, grass seeds take up a huge percentage of the work we do. Last year we removed grass seeds from around 50 dogs feet, ears, eyes and even lungs. They are nasty little things that look innocent but can cause all kinds of trouble. They have a pointy end which is great for piercing skin and then they are covered in barbs which means the grass seed can only move one way...inside your dog!

What can you do to prevent grass seed wounds?

Check your dog's feet after walking this time of year especially if you walk through fields. It's also best to check their ears and eyes for any signs of irritation and physically remove any grass seeds you find trapped in the fur. If you have a long-haired or curly-coated dog then check their fur all over. Once grass seeds get under your dog's skin, they can travel and migrate to all sorts of places in your dog's body causing sites of infection.

It's a good idea to keep your dog well-groomed. Those that have feathered fur between their toes should consider keeping the fur short.

What are the symptoms of grass seed wounds?

Grass seeds in ears

• Constant shaking of the head

• Redness in the ear

• Tilting of the head

Grass seeds in eyes

Smudger looking very proud of the three grass seeds we removed from his eye.

• Very swollen

• Rubbing their eyes/face

• Weeping

Grass seed in feet

• Constant licking between the toes

• Red swollen lump on top of the foot

• Lameness in one leg

Grass seed in noses

• Constant sneezing

• Nose bleeding

• Rubbing their face along the ground

• Panting

We want to see your dog if they are showing any of the above signs.

Grass seed irritations are not something to ignore, the damage they have the potential to cause is very serious.