Dog owners warned about common grass seeds that could cause organ damage
Grass seeds are a common summer hazard for dogs, with the tiny, arrow-shaped seeds easily attaching themselves to a dog's coat, paws, and ears
Summer's long walks in the grass are a delight, but dog owners are being warned about the significant health risks posed by grass seeds to their pets.
Dog owners will be familiar with grass seeds - small, arrow-shaped seeds found on the ends of grass stems in gardens, parks and fields during spring and summer. Their tiny, sharp shape allows them to easily attach to a dog's coat, paws and ears as they brush past.
After a walk, owners often find themselves removing these seeds from their pet's fur. However, they're more than just a nuisance; they can cause serious health problems for your pet. Experts warn that they can lead to allergic reactions, infections, respiratory issues, digestive obstructions and even organ damage.
In 2023, the average vet fees related to grass seed issues totalled £547.761. With an increase in Brits searching for information on grass seed safety (+100%) over the past year, Animal Friends Pet Insurance has teamed up with Dr Samantha Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to highlight the potential dangers, symptoms and treatments for grass seed injuries, as well as offering advice on how to protect your pet.
Symptoms of grass seed injuries
Dogs with long or thick fur, as well as those who love to run through tall grass, are most at risk of encountering grass seeds. However, any dog can come into contact with them. Symptoms may vary depending on where the grass seed is located.
Dr Webster advises pet owners to watch out for the following signs:
- Eyes: watery or weepy eye, pawing at the eye, intense itchiness, swelling, pain
- Ears: excessive scratching, constant head shaking, rubbing their ear with a paw, head tilting, sudden ear infection
- Nose: one-sided runny nose, 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
Treatments for grass seed injuries
Dr Webster explains: "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 recommends: "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 advises further: "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 concludes: "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."
