Dog owners have been urged to check their pets' fur after every single walk in September, as grass seed season reaches its peak and can cause painful problems if left unnoticed.
As autumn approaches, it's a lovely time to take dogs for walks as leaves begin to fall and orange and yellow colours emerge, but dog owners have recently been cautioned to look out for something important. Any time you walk your dog in September, it's reported you must act pretty quickly. When you get in from your walk, it's advised you check their fur, and there's good reason why this task needs to be completed. It will only take a few minutes of your time, but it can make a big difference to your dog, and their health, if you step into action.
Why grass seeds are dangerous
Grass seeds can cause painful problems if they're left unnoticed. Their barbed shape means they only travel in one direction so, once they work their way into a paw, ear or other part of the body, they continue moving inwards, potentially burrowing into tissues or organs and possibly causing severe infections and abscesses.
For dogs, grass seed season runs from June until around the end of September. Martin Forshaw, who runs specialist grooming supplies business Diamond Edge, supplying dog groomers across the UK, says he is told grass seeds are something regularly encountered by groomers during routine grooming appointments.
"Owners take a dog in for a trim, and groomers will find a seed between the toes that's been there most of the week," he said. "They'd noticed a bit of licking and thought nothing of it."
Which breeds are most at risk
Breeds with feathered feet, long ears or thick summer coats, such as cocker spaniels, springer spaniels and doodles are most at risk. Rather than waiting until a grooming appointment, he recommends carrying out a quick check after every walk.
The six areas to inspect are: between the toes, around and just inside the visible part of each ear, around the eyes, around the nostrils, in the armpits, and around the base of the tail.
Early warning signs and advice
Early warning signs include: limping on one leg after a walk, repeatedly licking the same paw, a soft swelling between the pads, violent head shaking, a persistent head tilt, one eye watering or squinting, and repeated bouts of sneezing. If a grass seed is suspected in the ear, eye or nose, you should always contact a vet. Regular grooming can also help reduce the risk by keeping the hair around paws and ears shorter.
"Owners can ask for a seed check as part of a normal groom," Martin said. "It isn't something many owners think to ask about."
It's particularly important to remain vigilant in September, as it's the peak season where dangers are witnessed in dogs. Dried-up summer grasses shed sharp, barbed seeds that can easily embed in a dog's skin, paws, ears and eyes. Generally, dogs should be kept away from overgrown meadows and dry, un-mown verges. Also, it's wise to inspect your dog's coat, underbelly and paws thoroughly after every walk. Clip long hair around the toes and ears to stop seeds from catching. Remove surface seeds immediately, but contact a vet straight away if you suspect a seed has burrowed or if your dog shows signs of pain.
