What’s lurking in the grass?
July 24, 2025
At this time of year, we see a noticeable rise in cases involving grass seed injuries. While they may look harmless, these small, dart-like seeds can cause major problems when they become lodged in your pet’s fur, ears, eyes, paws, or even get inhaled.
🚨 Why Are Grass Seeds Dangerous?
Grass seeds (often from wild grasses) are designed by nature to burrow into the soil — but unfortunately, they can also burrow into your pet’s body. Due to their sharp shape and barbed texture, they can easily penetrate skin and tissues, leading to painful infections and abscesses.
Common problem areas include:
- Ears: Seeds can get deep into the ear canal, causing head shaking, scratching, ear infections and even deafness.
- Paws: They often become embedded between the toes, causing limping, swelling, or sudden lameness.
- Eyes: A grass seed can scratch the eye or hide beneath the eyelid, which can lead to discharge, damaged corneas or even blindness.
- Nose: Inhalation of a grass seed can result in sneezing fits, nasal discharge, or even serious respiratory issues if they migrate into the respiratory tract.
- Skin & Coat: Seeds can embed anywhere on the body, sometimes traveling under the skin and causing deep infections.
👀 Signs to Watch For
- Sudden, persistent head shaking or ear scratching
- Excessive licking or chewing at a specific paw
- Limping without an obvious injury
- Swelling or discharge from any part of the body
- Sneezing or nasal discharge after a walk
- Visible redness or discomfort in the eyes
If your pet shows any of these signs, don’t wait — contact us right away. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.
🐶 What Can You Do?
Prevention is key. Here’s how you can protect your pet:
- 🧹 Check daily: Inspect your pet’s ears, paws, armpits, and coat after walks — especially if you’ve been near long grass or fields.
- ✂️ Keep fur trimmed: Particularly around paws, ears, and underarms, especially for breeds with long or curly coats.
- 🚶 Stay on paths: Avoid tall grass and wild fields during peak seed season (late spring to early autumn).
🩺 When in Doubt, Check It Out
Grass seeds can cause serious harm quickly, so prompt action is always the best response. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
Wishing you and your pets a happy, healthy summer!
