Grass seeds are tiny troublesome objects that are a common summer problem. Dogs frequently manage to get them stuck down their ears or in between their toes whilst enjoying long walks in the grassy fields. The grass seeds can then cause a lot of pain and irritation to your pet. 

It is more or less impossible to avoid grassy fields, but it is worth trying to avoid certain grasses if you can, for example Foxtail or Barley seeds. These seeds can anchor well to hair and are more likely to cause a problem.

Signs of grass seeds ultimately depend on the location they end up in. If the grass seed has managed to migrate down your pet’s ear canal you may notice that your pet develops a sudden and forceful head shake, often immediately after a walk. As an owner you may not be able to spot the grass seed as a dog has an ‘L’ shaped ear canal, but we can use an otoscope to look down your pet’s ear to diagnose this. Sometimes it is possible to remove the grass seed with your pet conscious but often, as it is painful, your pet may require sedation to facilitate this. Due to spaniels having long droopy ears they are one of the most commonly affected breeds.

It is sometimes harder to see if a grass seed has migrated in between your pet’s toes. They may start licking their paws excessively or develop a slight lameness. In some instances, the first thing you may spot is a swollen foot often with a discharging point visible in between the toes. In these instances, your pet often requires sedation or an anaesthetic to help remove the grass seed, followed by further medication at home. The grass seeds are also capable of migrating under the skin and in some instances they can appear at sites quite a distance from the foot!

As well as grass seeds, grass blades can also cause irritation. In the short video below you can see what is required to remove a thick blade of grass that has become lodged in a dog’s paw, causing discomfort and pain. We first need to remove some fur to access the site of irritation. We then need to take a firm grip of the paw to carefully remove the blade of grass.

It is a good idea to check your dog over after a walk to try and spot these troublesome grass seeds and brush them out before they cause trouble. It can be useful in breeds with hairy ears and feet to keep their fur trimmed short to limit the chances of the fur trapping the seeds.

If this article has raised any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.