An awful lot of things can pose a risk to our pups, from human food they aren’t meant to eat to breakable items that dogs can hurt themselves on. We love our dogs, but no matter how many of the best dog treats and toys we give them, they can sometimes get involved with things they shouldn’t. And one thing we often don’t think about that can hurt dogs are grass seeds.
Grass seeds look like small arrowheads, and can attach themselves to a dog’s fur and burrow into the skin, causing pain and discomfort. Paws and ears are most often affected, but they can go up a dog’s nose, too. Breeds with hairy ears and paws are more at risk.
Mollie’s dog mom, Claire, was taking her pups on a walk through cornfields in the countryside when Millie and her brother, Hector, disappeared. While they returned two hours later, Mollie later developed a recurring cough. Claire and her husband sought advice from the vet and Mollie was given painkillers, but five days later the poor pup was rushed back to the vet after she almost collapsed.
A CT scan showed that there was a problem with one of her lungs, and during surgery the vet found that she’d inhaled three grass seeds that had punctured her lung. While the vet is confident that Mollie will make a full recovery, she spent four days in intensive care, and has been left with a 10-inch scar and reduced lung capacity.
Claire said: “Although the vet initially didn’t find anything wrong, my gut told me otherwise – Mollie’s cough was so distinctive so I’m very thankful that it rang alarm bells now. She’s lost a lot of weight and muscle so we’re now feeding her up and she’s on a month of short-lead walks – and while we will take extra precautions from now on, we hope Mollie can continue to live life with the utmost joy.”
Signs of Grass Seed Injuries in Dogs
The Kennel Club has issued a warning to dog parents, and shared the most common signs of grass seeds affecting dogs:
- Shaking their head
- Licking their paws (Why do dogs lick their paws? Find out some other reasons here)
- Looking uncomfortable or in pain
- Lethargy
- Swelling between the toes and/or discharging wounds on the feet
When Grass Seeds Are Most Dangerous
Research from The Kennel Club and its insurance partner, Agria Pet Insurance, shows that dogs are more at risk of grass seed injuries in the summer and early autumn, with 80% of all claims in the last year being made between September and October 2023 and July and August 2024.
“It’s important to always check over your dog after walks in meadows, woodlands, or any green area and if you think they might be affected, contact your vet immediately.”
How To Protect Your Dog From Grass Seeds
To minimize the risk of grass seed injuries at home, here are 13 ways to create a dog-friendly garden. Meanwhile, can dogs be allergic to grass? Here's what to look out for.
The seeds resemble tiny arrowheads and can easily attach themselves to your pet's fur and burrow into their skin. Based on the findings, the Kennel Club is urging dog owners to be aware of the common signs of grass seeds affecting dogs.
'It's important to always check over your dog after walks in meadows, woodlands or any green area and if you think they might be affected, contact your vet immediately,' Mr Hargreaves added.
Taking Precautions to Keep Your Dog Safe
It's crucial to be proactive in protecting your dog from potential dangers. Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in ensuring the well-being of your beloved furry companion. Always remember to check your dog thoroughly after walks in areas where grass seeds are common. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, contact your vet immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference in preventing serious complications.
