Dog owners issued urgent warning over common issue which can cause organ damage

Paige Ingram & Annabal Bagdi
·3-min read

Dog owners are being warned of the health risks grass seeds can cause their pets. Grass seeds are small, arrow-shaped seeds which are commonly found on the end of grass stems in gardens, parks, and fields.

Their tiny, sharp shape means they can easily attach to a dog's coat, paws, and ears as they brush past them during the spring and summer months.

After a walk, owners often find themselves picking out the grass seeds from their dog's fur. But they can be more than just a nuisance - they can actually pose serious health risks for your dog.

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Experts have warned grass seeds can cause allergic reactions, infections, respiratory issues, digestive obstructions, and organ damage, Mirror reports. The average cost of vet fees related to grass seeds in 2023 came to £547.761 .

Dog insurance provider Animal Friends Pet Insurance has partnered with Dr Samantha Webster, director of clinical operations at Joii Pet Care, to share advice on dealing with grass seeds.

Symptoms of grass seed injuries

Dogs with long or thick coats or who enjoy running through tall grass are most at risk. But it is possible for any dog to encounter grass seeds.

Symptoms can vary depending on where the grass seed is located. Dr Webster urges pet owners to look out for the following symptoms:

  • Eyes: watery or weepy eye, rubbing at their eye with a paw, intense itchiness, swelling, pain

  • Ears: excessive scratching, shaking their head repeatedly, rubbing their ear with a paw, head tilting, sudden ear infection

  • Nose: runny nose on one side, sneezing, pawing at their nose

  • Paws: excessive licking or nibbling at their paw, saliva staining, swelling, lameness

  • Skin: itchiness, hives, redness, swelling

  • Stomach: abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, vomiting

  • Lungs: coughing, gagging, breathing difficulties, pneumonia

  • Elsewhere: non-healing wound, lack of energy, high temperature

Treatment for grass seed injuries

The treatment for a grass seed injury depends on where it is located, as well as the severity of your dog's symptoms. Dr Webster said: "In some cases, if the grass seed can be seen, a vet may be able to remove it and prescribe antibiotics to prevent your dog from getting an infection.

"However, if a grass seed has become stuck somewhere or isn’t visible, your dog may need a CT scan to locate the grass seed and require surgery to remove it."

How to protect your dog from grass seeds

Grooming

Dr Webster said: "If you spend time around grass with your dog in the spring and summer, you should ensure that you’re grooming them daily, so you can make sure their coat is free from grass seeds. If they have a long coat, keep them clipped, and ensure that the hair around their paws and ears is as short as possible."

Post-walk checks

Dr Webster said: "When coming back from a walk on or near grass, you’ll need to thoroughly check your dog’s coat, ears, and paws for grass seeds. Don’t forget in between their toes as well as the pads!”

Avoid long grass

Dr Webster added: "While your dog might love spending time running through fields, it is important for them to steer clear of long grass as much as possible, especially if you want to avoid any unpleasant injuries."

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