The Sneaky Danger Of Grass Seeds


Many of us look forward to the spring and summer – warmer weather, longer days, pink blossoms, brightly coloured flowers all around. 


And then there’s the long grass on the verges, in the parks and along the canal. Other than skin allergies often caused by grasses, they can also wreak havoc with their little awns/seeds. These awns can get stuck in the fur of dogs, and then migrate under the skin, down ear canals, into nasal passages, and even under eyelids. In a worst case scenario, awns can even migrate internally, into the chest or abdomen, where they can have serious effects. 


To try and reduce the incidence of this happening, always check your dog’s coat after a walk, especially between the toes, and on the head region (in their ears, and around their eyes), but the awns can get stuck anywhere. 


Signs to look our for:  

  • A soft swelling, which sometimes appears to be oozing pus or blood, between the toes especially
  • Pawing at a red and painful eye
  • Sudden onset of ear flapping or head shaking (the ear is usually painful when rubbed)
  • Sudden onset of persistent sneezing. 


*If your dog is showing any of these signs, please bring it in for a check up. Sedation is often required to explore thoroughly. Grass seed migration tends to affects dog mostly, but it has been seen in cats occasionally as well.


Pepper was brought in to see us as it seemed something was bothering her throat. Once sedated, we were able to explore, and we found a grass seed stuck behind her tonsil! They really can be very sneaky…

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