Grass seeds in dogs
What are grass seeds? Grass seeds are the sharp, arrow-shaped structures found on the tips of long grass stems in the summer months. These seeds readily attach to the dog’s coat as the dog walks past and can pierce the skin with their sharp point. Grass seeds cause irritation and infection wherever they end up – under the skin (often in between the toes) or down the ears or beneath the eyelids. Rarely, grass seeds will travel internally within the body where they can cause unexplained high temperature and flu-like symptoms, or even damage the lungs or spinal cord, depending on where they end up.
Which dogs are at most risk from grass seeds? Any dog can suffer with a grass seed problem, but dogs with long feathery coats are most at risk. Dogs that run through long grass in the summer are at highest risk, but these types of grasses can also be found growing at the side of pavements in urban areas too.
What can I do to protect my do from grass seed problems? It is wise to avoid exercise through long grass with lots of visible, dry grass seeds. After walks, dogs should be checked thoroughly and any seeds removed before they have a chance to disappear beneath the skin. Keeping paws trimmed short, and protecting ears with purpose-made ear/neck covers can help.
How can I tell if my dog has a problem with a grass seed? If a grass seed is in the ear, a dog will shake its head. A grass seed in the eye will cause rubbing of the eye, swelling and discharge. A grass seed in the nose will causing sneezing. Grass seeds between the toes tend to cause red swellings that dogs lick and chew repeatedly. If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to the veterinary hospital so that appropriate steps can be taken to investigate and remove any seeds that are found. 45
