Grass seed danger

Grass seeds, though small and unassuming, can pose significant health risks to dogs. For gundog owners, understanding what grass seeds are, the dangers they present, and how to protect dogs from them is vital. In this article we will explore everything you need to know about grass seeds, including which dogs are most at risk, the potential complications they cause, the steps for prevention and how we treat them.

WHAT ARE GRASS SEEDS?

Grass seeds are small pointy seeds covered in barbs found at the top of long grass. They are commonly found during spring and summer in parks, fields or meadows.

The structure of these grass seeds makes them particularly hazardous to dogs. Their sharp tips and barbed edges (they look like an arrow) allow them to penetrate fur, skin, and much deeper tissues. Once embedded, they can migrate through the body, causing pain, infection, and other severe complications.

WHICH DOGS ARE AT RISK?

While any dog can be affected by grass seeds, certain factors increase the risk:

1. Coat Type

Dogs with long, dense, or curly fur (e.g. cocker spaniels, golden retrievers) are more likely to trap grass seeds.

2. Activity Level

Active dogs that enjoy running off lead through grassy fields are at higher risk of exposure naturally.

3. Geographic Location

Dogs in rural areas with abundant grassland or meadows are more exposed than those that live in city environments.

4. Season:

Late spring to early autumn is peak grass seed season.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN?

Grass seeds can cause various health issues depending on where they lodge. We often see grass seeds affecting the ears, eyes, between their paws, feet and up their nose. Here are the most common complications:

Skin and fur:

Grass seeds often attach to the dog’s coat and can burrow into the skin, causing redness, swelling, and abscesses under the skin. Because the grass seeds have a pointy end, they can move from where they entered making them hard to find.

Ears:

Grass seeds can get stuck down the ear canal, leading to intense discomfort, head shaking, scratching, and potential ear infections.

Eyes:

Grass seeds may lodge around the eyes (behind the third eyelid commonly), causing irritation, redness, excessive tearing, or corneal ulcers if not removed promptly.

Nose:

Inhaled seeds can lodge in nasal passages, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge,and breathing difficulties.

Paws:

Seeds often get stuck between the toes, causing lameness, licking, and swelling and abscesses. I see interdigital abscess most commonly.

Internal migration:

In severe cases, grass seeds can penetrate so deeply that they migrate internally, causing infections in vital organs or tissues, requiring surgical intervention. Grass seeds for example can be found within the chest cavity within a lung.

How do I know if my dog has a grass seed?

If your dog has a grass seed stuck you may notice them licking or chewing their feet incessantly or in the case of their ears, shaking their head quite violently. You may start to notice swellings between their toes, sudden onset sneezing if they’ve inhaled one or a weeping eye if there is one stuck around the eye.

PREVENTION

Preventing grass seed-related injuries involves a combination of vigilance and proactive care. Here are some practical tips.

Regular grooming

Check and brush your dog’s coat frequently, especially after walks in grassy areas, to remove any trapped seeds. Ideally keep their fur shorter, especially around ears, eyes and feet in warmer months.

Inspect after walks

Check high-risk areas like paws, ears, armpits, and groin for seeds after outdoor activities

Avoid high-risk areas

Steer clear of fields or paths with tall grasses during peak seasons or walk dogs on leads if you’re in an environment where you know grass seeds will be.

TREATMENT

We’ve already mentioned the importance of removing grass seeds if you see them on the skin surface.

Treatment depends on where the grass seed is and the damage it has caused. Grass seeds often introduce bacteria, leading to infections, so commonly your vet may prescribe antibiotics alongside anti-inflammatory medications.

If they become lodged down the ear canal, then these can be removed with long forceps (we call them crocodile forceps) followed by a few days of anti-inflammatories. The ear is particularly sensitive and more often than not the dogs need a small amount of sedation to allow for the grass seed to be removed.

Where grass seeds have migrated under the skin causing an abscess/swelling (this is the most common presentation I see with grass seeds) sedation or a general anaesthetic is often needed to find the grass seed and clean out the infection.

In severe cases where seeds have migrated internally, advanced imaging such as CT are needed to locate them before surgically removed. For example, I have known dogs to have had lung lobes removed due to inhaled grass seeds causing abscesses in lungs.

CONCLUSION

Grass seeds may seem inconsequential, but their potential to cause harm to dogs can be significant. Awareness and preventative measures can save your dog from unnecessary pain and medical intervention. By staying vigilant, grooming regularly, and avoiding high-risk environments, you can ensure your gundog stays safe and healthy throughout the grass seed season.