11/06/2026
Grass seed season!
These may look like an innocent grass seed, but for many dogs they can be a source of great discomfort and in extreme cases, be fatal.
The design of these grass seeds means they easily attach to hair, and can quickly burrow into skin.
They frequently end up in the tissue between toes, also in ear canals, and other parts of the body. As Vets, we’ve even known them to travel as far as the spine, causing painful abscesses. They can also be inhaled and end up in the lungs.
They can be even worse in older dogs, where the anaesthetic to remove them can be more risky.
What to do to prevent grass seed issues?
1.Remove grass seeds from your garden if you see them growing- ideally before they start to dry out and shed.
2.Avoid walking your dog where grass seeds are present in large numbers.
3.Check your pet after every walk, between toes and in ears, and in any long hair.
4.Consider the use of a preventative method, such as an OutFox guard, when on walks.
5.Act quickly if you think that a grass seed may have entered the skin or ear- have pets examined by a Vet before they have the chance to cause more damage.
