Grass seed injuries in dogs

Grass seed may seem harmless, but they can cause serious problems for dogs in summer. Here’s everything you need to know about grass seed and dogs.

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Summer with your dog is the best - long walks on the beach, games of fetch in the park, and hikes out in nature. But one thing that’s not so great is if your pup ends up with a painful grass seed injury that sends you straight to the emergency vet.

These tiny seeds might seem harmless, but they can cause serious trouble for your furry friend. As the weather heats up, here’s what to do if a seed gets stuck in your dog's paw, ear, eye or anywhere else.

What is grass seed and why is it a problem?

Grass seeds are small, dart-shaped seeds found in long grass during the warmer months. Their pointed shape makes them great at burrowing into soil – but unfortunately, they can also latch onto your dog’s fur and work their way into the skin. This can cause painful infections and, in severe cases, require veterinary intervention.

Is grass seed safe for dogs?

While the seeds themselves aren’t toxic, their sharp shape makes them a hazard. Grass seed is mainly used when planting or repairing lawns, so if you have an established garden, they shouldn’t be a risk.

How do grass seeds attach to dogs?

Grass seeds often get caught in a dog’s fur while running or rolling on walks, particularly in areas such as their paws, ears and eyes. Breeds with long fur or fluffy paws are more at risk, but any dog that enjoys running through tall grass can pick them up.

Left untreated, seeds can migrate further into the body, causing abscesses or internal damage.

Can grass seeds kill dogs?

While uncommon, severe infections or migration to vital organs can be life-threatening, so early detection is key.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account to speak with a professional about your concerns.

Signs your dog has a grass seed injury

If you notice a grass seed stuck in your dog’s paw, ear, nose, eyes or skin, you may notice them:

• Licking their paws a lot
• Limping, with swelling between their toes
• Shaking their head or pawing at one ear
• Squinting with redness or swelling in one eye
• Licking sore spots on their skin

If the seed is just sitting on the fur, you can remove it with your fingers or a brush. However, if it’s embedded in the skin, don’t try to pull it out yourself – this can cause it to break apart and travel further under the skin. Instead, visit your vet to have it safely removed.

How are grass seed injuries treated?

If you see any signs of lurking grass seeds on your dog, consult your vet for advice as soon as possible. They may be able to remove the grass seed using a pair of long tweezers. However, this can be painful for your dog, so they may need to be sedated with an anaesthetic first.

If your dog has a grass seed lodged in their ear canal, you won’t be able to spot the seed because it will be trapped deep inside. A vet can make a diagnosis by using an otoscope to look down the ear canal and remove the seed with forceps if necessary. Due to their pendulous ears, Cockapoos, Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are the most commonly affected breeds.

After treatment, dogs are usually treated with painkillers and antibiotics to counter any infection.

How to prevent grass seed injuries in dogs

When it comes to grass seed and dogs, all breeds with hairy ears and feet are at particular risk, but you can take preventative steps to lower their chances of injury.

Firstly, stick to well-maintained paths and short grass during peak seed season. Some grasses are particularly worth avoiding, such as foxtails – grasses with razor-sharp seeds that resemble little torpedoes in the shape of a fox’s tail. Dry grass seeds of wild barley can also easily attach themselves to an animal’s fur, working their way down to pierce the skin or enter the ear canal.

Be sure to trim the fur around your dog’s paws and ears – particularly for long-haired breeds – and inspect your dog’s paws, ears and coat for seeds after walks.

Finally, if your dog is particularly prone to picking up grass seeds, consider investing in dog boots or a lightweight body suit that can keep them protected throughout the season.