As a responsible pet owner, you’re all too familiar with keeping your furry friend safe from harm. An often-overlooked hazard, however, comes from an unexpected source: grass seeds. These innocuous seeds can pose a serious health risk to your dog or cat, so understanding the dangers and preventative measures is key to protecting your pet.

What Makes Grass Seeds Dangerous?

Grass seed cases are very common this time of year, particularly for long-haired dog breeds, as the seeds can cling to their fur. Grass seeds, particularly those from wild grasses like foxtails, have barbed tips that attach to fur and burrow into the skin. Once embedded, these seeds can migrate through the body, causing a range of health issues, from minor irritations to severe infections and internal damage. Here’s how they can affect your pets:

Skin Irritation and Infections: Grass seeds can penetrate the skin, causing painful wounds and infections. Pets may constantly lick, chew, or scratch the affected area, leading to further complications.

Ear Problems: Grass seeds often find their way into a pet’s ears, causing discomfort, infections, and even hearing loss. Signs include head shaking, ear scratching, and discharge from the ear.

Eye Injuries: Seeds can get lodged in a pet’s eyes, resulting in redness, swelling, discharge, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Nasal Invasion: When inhaled, grass seeds can become lodged in the nasal passages, causing sneezing, nasal discharge, and potential respiratory issues.

Internal Migration: One of the most dangerous aspects is the ability of grass seeds to migrate internally. They can travel to vital organs, causing severe infections, internal damage, and even life-threatening conditions.

Grass Seed Injuries – Recognising the Signs

Early detection is key to preventing serious complications. Watch for these symptoms in your pets:

  • Excessive licking or chewing at a specific spot
  • Red, swollen, or painful areas on the skin
  • Persistent head shaking or ear scratching
  • Eye redness, swelling, or discharge
  • Frequent sneezing or nasal discharge
  • Sudden onset of lameness or reluctance to move

Prevention Tips

Preventing grass seed injuries involves a combination of vigilance and proactive care. Here are some tips to protect your pets:

Groom Regularly: Keep your pet’s fur trimmed, especially around the paws, ears, and belly, to reduce the risk of seeds attaching and penetrating the skin.

Inspect After Walks: Thoroughly check your pet’s body, paying close attention to their paws, ears, and eyes after walks in grassy areas. Remove any visible seeds immediately.

Avoid High-Risk Areas: Try to avoid areas with tall grass or wild plants that are known to produce harmful seeds, especially during peak seeding seasons.

Use Protective Gear: Consider using protective gear like booties for your dog’s paws and a snood for their ears when walking in areas prone to grass seeds.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem:

If you suspect that a grass seed has become embedded in your pet’s skin or has entered their body, seek veterinary attention promptly. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and ensure your pet’s swift recovery. Do not attempt to remove deeply embedded seeds yourself, as this can cause further injury.

How Can Vetsure Help?

At Vetsure, we understand the emotional and financial stress that unexpected vet trips can bring. Our pet insurance policies are designed to provide peace of mind should your pet need unexpected treatment, including that caused by grass seeds. By choosing Vetsure, you can rest assured that your pet’s health and well-being are in safe hands.

Find out more about Vetsure’s pet insurance policies.