Protect Your Dog from Grass Seeds!

Summer is here, and along with it comes the dreaded grass seed problems that are notorious for clogging up the waiting rooms in veterinary practices around the country.

Grass seeds come in various forms, but all have their damaging effects and should be taken seriously. Their bristly arrow-like fibres allow them to cling with ease onto your dog's hair, while the pointed shape makes it easy for them to dive deeper and deeper, eventually reach and then penetrating the skin. Such examples of grass seeds include burdock, foxtail, speargrasses, buzzard grasses, and feathergrasses.

Why are Grass Seeds such a problem?

Grass seeds can cause severe problems in dogs, and in particular circumstances can even lead to surgery to remove them. The seeds can enter the nose, get between the eye and eyelids, burrow their way into the deep fur around the toes and feet, and can even make their way into the ears, resulting in severe pain and irritation.

The seeds causing the most problems are those shaped like small darts, such as foxtail grass seeds. They have a very sharp point and a long tail, and will penetrate the skin of your dog with ease. If not found quickly enough, the seed will begin to burrow in, causing inflammation and the risk of infection. Depending on where on the body this happens, the grass seed may even play havoc with your dog's internal body organs, particularly when entering the ear.

How do I know if my dog has grass seeds on him?

Unfortunately (perhaps), dogs don't speak, and can't tell us if they are in pain, and more to the point, can't tell us exactly where the pain is and why it's happening. So it's down to us as the owner and protector of our canine friends to spot the signs early on and find the problem quickly.

Grass Seeds in the Ear: You may notice your dog itching, shaking his head, rubbing his head along the floor and even walking at a tilted angle. Grass seeds in the ear can potentially cause a range of problems, and if in doubt, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Grass Seeds in the Eye: As a human will know, any kind of irritation and pain on or around the eye is highly uncomfortable and can cause serious, long term problems including blindness. The same applies to dogs. If a grass seed is present, you may notice your dog's eye become inflame and red, perhaps even watery.

Grass Seeds in the Hair: Often, depending on the seed type your dog will be coated in various seeds around the body. You may notice that the matted clumps of hair are formed due to grass seeds. This may result in no other option than to cut clumps of hair out of your dog.

Grass Seeds in the Nose: A seed in the nose may cause your dog to sneeze, itch at the nose, and may result in some nasal discharge.

Grass Seeds in the Skin: When grass seeds finally attack and penetrate the skin, your dog will likely be chewing and licking the area, attempting to both itch and remove the seed itself. Their attempt generally fails, potentially making the problem worse. Sometimes, your dog may be able to remove the seed, but then the seed could become attached to the dog's mouthparts, resulting in a more serious problem. If you notice your dog excessively chewing itself and itching, check the areas of concern and if necessary, seek veterinary attention.

Grass Seeds entering the Mouth: If a grass seed is swallowed, it may become lodged in the throat, causing inflammation and swelling. If this happens, your dog may cough, attempt to vomit, have difficulty eating and may eventually refuse to eat altogether.

Grass Seeds in the Lungs and other organs: Smaller seeds can be inhaled through the nose, and in severe cases seeds that penetrate the skin can burrow into various organs. This can cause very serious life-threatening abscesses. If this happens, your dog may develop a fever, refuse to eat and may have difficulty with movement.

What can I do to prevent this from happening?

The most obvious solution to prevent these problems occurring is to stop your dog from entering grassy fields. Stick to short, lawn-type grass and pathway walks or forested areas where grass seeds will be at a minimum.

By cutting your dogs hair, particularly around the toes, feet, arm-pits and ears you will have a much higher chance of spotting the seeds, and the seeds will have less chance of being able to cling on.

Carry out regular checks. Every day if possible, particularly after every walk you should check your dog for these. You may have difficulty spotting the smaller seeds, so comb your dog with a fine brush to doubly make sure nothing is clinging on.

A final note from PetClub UK: This is a serious problem that affects thousands of dogs around the UK and the world every year. Vet practices are often inundated with the same occurrences year in year out. Help them, help yourself and above all, help your pet. Check regularly and be aware!

Copyright © PetClub UK Ltd. 2007

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