Pet owners have been reminded of a summer issue where "any dog can be affected." The problem typically starts as something so tiny that many owners are likely to miss the signs before symptoms get serious, a vet claims.
Grass seed season and risks
Grass seed season in the UK runs from May through to October, peaking during the warm summer months of June, July, and August when grasses dry out, mature, and shed sharp, barbed seeds. Sharp grass seeds easily cling to fur and can pierce a dog's skin or work into sensitive areas.
In an Instagram post, experienced vet Dr James Greenwood said: "These tiny little things can cause a surprisingly big problem for our dogs. Grass seeds (or foxtails) have tiny barbs that mean they tend to travel in one direction — but not backwards.
"So once they get into your dog’s fur, skin or body, they can work their way deeper and become firmly stuck - and the signs can appear very quickly. Sometimes we can remove them easily and other times, a mild sedation is needed so we can safely locate and remove the seed in one piece."
He added that certain breeds are "particularly prone to them" such as spaniels and spaniel crosses. But, the warning goes to all owners as "any dog can be affected."
Warning signs and prevention
If your dog suddenly starts limping, sneezing, shaking their head or keeping an eye closed after a walk, don’t ignore it. These are all possible signs that something is irritating them, and it could be as simple as a single grass seed.
Dr James said: "The sooner we find a grass seed, the better. The longer it stays, the further it can travel and the more damage it can potentially cause.
"Remember, even if you do everything right, occasionally one will still sneak past you. That’s what we’re here for."
June through to August remains a 'peak danger period' for dogs walking near grassy areas where seeds dry and detach easily.
How to help your dog
The most important thing pet owners can do after walks is to thoroughly check their dog, particularly around their paws, ears, eyes and coat. If there are any loose seeds sitting on these areas, remove them immediately.
If you know there’s a particularly grassy area near you, avoid it for a few weeks and consider taking a different route with your dog. Dogs absolutely love exploring new environments, so they will likely enjoy a change of scenery.
While dogs thrive on a predictable home routine, they often crave something new on their walks because their primary way of experiencing the world is through scent. New locations offer a range of smells to investigate, providing intense mental stimulation that might help them sleep better that night.
