Dog owners have been warned to be extra vigilant and check their pets after every walk, after a significant increase in dogs needed emergency treatment for painful grass seed injuries this summer.
Harrison Family Vets in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, said the very dry conditions have led to rise in the number of injuries this summer, with the group’s 10 practices treating more than 460 grass seed cases and incidents thought to be related to grass seed since May.
Grass seeds have become lodged on dogs’ ears, noses, paws and even until their tails, where the sharp barbed seeds can become embedded under the skin and cause severe irritation, infection and pain.
Unlike ordinary plant material, grass seeds have pointed, barbed tips that are designed to move in one direction. Once they become caught in a dog’s fur, they can work their way through the coat and into the skin or body openings, where they cannot be removed naturally and often require veterinary treatment, sometimes under sedation or general anaesthetic.
Grasses flower and produce seeds during the summer and, as the weather becomes warmer and drier, the seed heads dry out and detach more easily, making them more likely to cling to passing dogs. Long grass, meadows and roadside verges are particularly high-risk areas.
James Harris, group clinical director from Harrison Family Vets, said: “Grass seeds are always a problem in the summer months, but we’ve seen a noticeable increase in cases this year, which could be due to recent high temperatures combined with very little rainfall.
“Whilst they may look harmless, these tiny seeds can cause an incredible amount of discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to serious infections or even migrate deeper into the body.
“Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to stop dogs exploring grassy areas altogether and most love running through long grass, especially during the summer. However, there are simple steps owners can take that can dramatically reduce the risk.”
Harrison Family Vets is encouraging dog owners to check their pets’ coats thoroughly after every walk, paying particular attention to the ears, paws, between the toes, armpits and under the tail. Regular brushing can help remove grass seeds before they become embedded, while trimming excess hair around the paws and between the toes may be beneficial for long-haired breeds.
Owners are also being urged to look out for signs that a grass seed may have become lodged, including persistent head shaking, excessive licking of a paw, limping, repeated sneezing, swelling, redness or sudden discomfort. They are advised not to attempt to remove deeply embedded grass seeds themselves, as this can make the problem worse. If a dog continues shaking its head, limping, sneezing repeatedly or appears to be in pain after a walk, owners should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
James added: “Early treatment is important because grass seeds rarely work their way back out once they’ve penetrated the skin. The sooner they’re removed, the less likely they are to cause complications and infection. A few minutes spent checking your dog after each walk could save them a great deal of pain and help avoid more invasive treatment.”
