Picture your dog running through long grass enjoying the summer sunshine – your first thought probably isn’t worrying about grass seeds. But should it be? Vets see grass seeds all the time in the warmer months and as a dog owner it’s important to be aware of what to look out for. From sore paws to inflamed ears, they can cause a host of problems for your dog.
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What do grass seeds look like – and why are they a problem?
Grass seeds, also known as awns, are found in areas of long grass and woodlands in late spring and summer. Their pointed, spiky shape enables them to anchor into soil; but also the skin, eyes, ears and even occasionally the noses or throats of dogs. As your dog moves around, seeds can be pushed further into or move around beneath their skin, as well as working their way further into the ears or nose. Their pointed shape means they usually don’t come out of the skin of their own accord.
The seeds are a ‘foreign body’ that isn’t recognised by your dog’s immune system, so they cause significant inflammation and pain. They also introduce bacteria, resulting in localised infection and abscess formation.
Common symptoms of grass seeds
Paws
Grass seeds are most commonly seen between dogs’ toes and slightly further up over the top of their feet. Seeds often become trapped in the fur between the toes before working their way in. Initially you might notice some discomfort and licking before the seed fully penetrates causing pain, persistent chewing or licking and often lameness. This usually happens within 1-2 days. If they let you look, you might see a raised, red, inflamed lump or an open tract oozing discharge or pus.
Ears
If your dog begins suddenly shaking its head after a walk through long grass, a grass seed could well be the culprit. While ear infections can come on quite quickly, irritation due to a grass seed usually comes on more suddenly without any immediate pus or discharge. Within a couple of days, however, you are likely to see more classic signs of an ear infection.
Eyes
Grass seeds in eyes are an emergency. They cause a huge amount of irritation and potentially damage scraping against the surface of the eye. They can become trapped behind the eyelids, making them difficult to remove without assistance from a vet and local anaesthetic. Your dog will usually be distressed, blinking excessively or holding their eye closed, pawing at it and producing more tears than usual. If left, grass seeds in the eye can cause severe ulceration and damage; occasionally even resulting in the loss of an eye.
Other areas
Grass seeds can affect almost any part of your dog. While the most common sites are the paws, ears and eyes they can also become trapped in your dog’s nose or throat. This can cause sudden onset nasal discharge, sneezing, distress and other symptoms. Beyond these sites, they can be seen almost anywhere on your dog’s body. Rarely, if unnoticed, some grass seeds can even migrate internally to affect your dog’s organs.
Treatment
Grass seeds are usually relatively straightforward to treat but do require veterinary attention.
In the paw, they can sometimes be removed with your dog conscious, especially if the tip is still visible or there is a short draining tract. But this depends on how painful it is and it shouldn’t be attempted at home. Often, if the grass seed is fully embedded in the paw, minor surgery will be required under sedation or anaesthetic to open the swollen area and remove the grass seed. Antibiotics and pain relief are also usually needed.
In the ear, treatment depends on how long it’s been present, how far into the ear the seed is and how severe any infection is. If your dog is seen immediately and will tolerate it, seeds can occasionally be removed conscious using an otoscope. But if they’re too painful or the seed is more embedded, this may require sedation. If there is secondary infection then your vet will discuss further treatments with you.
It’s important to deal with grass seeds in the eye rapidly. These can often be removed by your vet with local anaesthetic although again, if your dog is very painful they may need sedation. Your vet will then check the eye to ensure there are no signs of infection or ulceration.
Grass seeds usually respond very well to treatment, but occasionally they can be harder to manage. In some cases your vet may recommend things like advanced imaging to better visualise where the seed is.
What you can do at home
Keep an eye on your dog on walks. If you ever see a grass seed on them, especially on their paws or near their ears, remove it.
If your dog has a grass seed in their eye or ear, what you can do at home is limited- if it’s sitting loosely in the front of your dog’s eye and they’ll let you gently remove it, do so, but if it’s more firmly lodged it’s best for your vet to assess it in case it’s punctured the eye. Either way, it’s worth checking with your vet to ensure no ulceration of the eye has occurred.
If you suspect a grass seed in your dog’s paw, there are a couple of things you can do at home. But your dog will still need to see a vet for treatment urgently.
1) Saltwater bathing
If your dog has pus or discharge coming from the area, you can gently bathe it with dilute salt water. I usually recommend mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a mug of cool boiled water (approx. 300mls), then gently bathing it with cotton wool. You can repeat as needed or 1-2x daily.
2) Use a buster collar
Though your dog may not thank you, their paws will – if your dog is licking or chewing a paw with a grass seed, they’ll cause significant trauma and encourage infection to develop. Bandaging the paw can be dangerous if done without experience or with incorrect materials as it can constrict blood flow – and your dog may try to eat the bandage! A plastic buster collar is the best way to prevent licking.
3) Warm water soaking
If your dog appreciates it, you can also try soaking the affected paw in warm water, with or without salt or Epsom salts, to help soothe and clean the area. Soak for 10 minutes up to 2-3 times daily before gently but thoroughly drying.
While these things can certainly help, the most important step is to book an appointment with your vet – grass seeds become harder to treat as they work their way further under the skin and infection progresses.
Preventing grass seeds
So, what can you do to prevent your dog from getting grass seeds?
1) Avoid the seeds
Try to stick to paths through woodland and areas like parks with shorter grass for off lead walking – avoid meadows of long grass and similar areas during the summer months.
2) Check your dog
It’s worth checking your dog’s coat after every walk during the late spring and summer. Important sites to check include their paws, especially between their toes and pads, as well as the armpits, belly and ears. Getting your dog used to regular checking of these sites also helps if you ever need to treat a grass seed – but be careful if your dog is sensitive to having their paws or other areas handled.
3) Grooming
Dogs with fluffy, curly coats (like Cockerpoos) are at higher risk of grass seeds becoming trapped, though any breed can be affected. Keeping their coat short in summer, especially over their feet, can make a big difference to how easily grass seeds are caught in it. A shorter coat also helps you to spot any seeds and remove them before they become a problem.
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