Pet owners are being urged to inspect their dogs for grass seeds following outdoor excursions, as data from insurer Healthy Pets Insurance reveals grass seed-related pet insurance claims reached their peak in July last year, with August and September showing the second and third highest figures.
Rising Anxiety Among Dog Owners
The insurance firm also noted mounting anxiety amongst dog owners, with Google searches for "grass seed dog" surging by 80% this June when compared with the preceding three months. It's advising pet owners to thoroughly examine their animals after walks, especially in areas with long grass.
Ross Hallifax, from Healthy Pets Insurance, said: "We see an increase in grass seed-related claims in the summer months, as this tends to be when the barbed grass seeds are at their driest and most likely to work their way into paws, ears, eyes and noses. This was the case last year and we wouldn't be surprised if it is the same this year based on recent Google searches."
Dangers of Grass Seeds
"Grass seeds might look harmless as they are so small, but their shape means they easily travel into a pet's body. Once they are lodged under the skin or in the ear canal or nostrils, they can cause real pain and infection. In some cases, they can require surgery to remove. Pets can't tell us where they have pain or discomfort, so owners need to know the warning signs," Hallifax added.
Symptoms of Grass Seed Injury in Dogs
- Limping or lameness
- Swelling or redness
- Scratching or shaking of the head
- Excessive licking
- Sneezing or coughing
- Discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Healthy Pets Insurance advised dog owners to routinely inspect their pet's paws, ears and coat, particularly following walks through long grass, or if their dog has notably hairy paws or floppy ears.
Ross added: "A quick daily check, especially during the summer months when we see a spike in claims, can save a lot of discomfort and potentially a lot of vet bills."
