Vet warns of grass seed injuries to dogs in summer

A veterinary surgeon has issued a warning to dog owners about the dangers of grass seeds during the summer months, after a sharp rise in cases of injuries caused by the tiny, barbed seeds. The warning comes as many owners take advantage of warmer weather to walk their dogs in fields and parks, where long grass is now more common due to initiatives such as 'No Mow May'.

Grass seeds, which are typically found on long stalks of grass, have a pointed tip and backward-facing barbs. Once they attach to a dog's fur, they can easily penetrate the skin and migrate deeper into the body, often requiring surgical removal. The seeds are particularly dangerous because they cannot be pulled out easily due to their unidirectional movement.

Vets report finding grass seeds in a variety of locations on dogs, including between the toes (interdigital spaces), inside the ear canal, and even in the eye (conjunctiva). Symptoms of an embedded grass seed include sudden lameness, swelling, head shaking, and signs of pain such as crying or reluctance to walk. The sooner a seed is removed, the better the outcome; if left, it can travel further and become much harder to locate.

Dog owners are advised to check their pets thoroughly after every walk, paying particular attention to paws and ears. Brushing or picking out any visible seeds can prevent them from burrowing. Owners of breeds with long or curly fur, such as cockapoos, are urged to be especially vigilant. Some owners have even taken to using snoods to protect their dogs' ears from seeds that can get caught in dangly ear fur and migrate into the ear canal.

If a swelling or sign of discomfort appears, owners should seek veterinary attention immediately. In many cases, a seed that has only just entered can be removed in a consultation, but seeds that have been embedded for longer may require surgery. The vet emphasised that the problem is on the rise, partly because longer grass left unmown provides more opportunities for seeds to attach to passing dogs.

While the advice is clear, the message is not to stop dogs from enjoying the outdoors, but to be proactive in checking them after walks. With summer in full swing, a few minutes of inspection could save a dog from a painful and potentially serious injury.