When you’re out enjoying a walk with your animal companion on a warm summer’s day, the last thing you might be thinking about is grass seeds. Yet, these tiny troublemakers are one of the most common reasons we see dogs (and sometimes cats) at the clinic during late summer and early autumn.
They might look harmless, but grass seeds can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and in some cases, they can lead to serious health problems. The good news is that a quick check after every walk can make all the difference.
What Are Grass Seeds and Why Are They a Problem?
Grass seeds are the small, pointed seeds from certain types of long grass. By their very nature, they’re designed to spread easily, which unfortunately means they can stick to fur and work their way into places they shouldn’t be.
Because they’re shaped like tiny arrows, once they get into the coat, they can keep moving forward, piercing the skin and even travelling inside the body. They’re most often a problem for dogs, especially those with longer fur, but adventurous cats can also be affected.
Where Grass Seeds Can Cause Trouble
Grass seeds often get caught:
- Between the toes – leading to swelling, limping, or licking at the paw.
- In the ears – causing head shaking, pawing at the ear, or sudden pain.
- In the eyes – leading to redness, squinting, or excessive tearing.
- Under the skin – creating painful lumps or abscesses.
In some rare cases, grass seeds can travel deeper into the body and cause serious infections.
Signs Your Companion May Have a Grass Seed Problem
If you notice any of the following after a walk or time outdoors, it’s worth contacting us for a check:
- Persistent licking or chewing at one area
- Sudden limping or favouring one paw
- Shaking the head or scratching at the ears
- Red, swollen, or weeping eyes
- A sudden lump or swelling on the body
Acting quickly means we can remove the seed before it causes more harm.
How to Prevent Grass Seed Issues
You can’t completely avoid grass seeds in summer, but these tips can reduce the risk:
- Stick to shorter grass where possible, especially during late summer.
- Check your companion after walks – look between toes, inside ears, and along the coat.
- Brush regularly – this helps remove loose seeds before they cause problems.
- Keep fur trimmed around paws and ears for breeds prone to picking up debris.
What to Do if You Find a Grass Seed
If you spot a seed sitting loosely on your companion’s coat, you can gently remove it. If it’s lodged in the skin, ear, or eye, please don’t try to dig it out yourself as this can cause injury or push it further in. Instead, contact us straight away so we can safely remove it.
Remember, at the end of a walk…
Grass seeds may be tiny, but they can cause big problems if left untreated. A few minutes spent checking your animal companion after a walk can save them a lot of pain and save you from an emergency visit later.
If you think your dog or cat might have a grass seed injury, we’re here to help.