09/06/2026
Solid advice from Straight Paward Dog Walking
Lots of fields at the moment are full of grass seeds (including ours which is hopefully getting cut this week)
Here’s some useful info -
Grass seeds are a major hazard for dogs, as their sharp, barbed ends can easily pierce the skin, burrow into paws, or enter the ears, eyes, and nose.
Left untreated, they can migrate internally and cause severe infections or abscesses.
Dangers and Common Symptoms -
Grass seeds are most common in meadows and long grass during the warmer months. Because of their design, they don't just sit on the fur; they actively burrow deeper over time.
Watch out for these warning signs
Paws: Persistent licking or chewing at a specific paw, limping, or a small swollen lump between the toes.
Ears: Frequent head shaking, tilting the head to one side, or scratching at the ears.Eyes: Squinting, redness, or watery discharge.Nose: Sudden, persistent sneezing, pawing at the nose, or nasal discharge.
Pay close attention to the armpits, groin, in between the toes, and inside the ear flaps.
Grooming: Keep the hair around your dog's paws and ears trimmed short to prevent seeds from tangling and catching.
When to see a Vet -
If a seed is just resting on the fur and you can easily brush or tweeze it off, it can be handled at home.
However, if you see signs that it has penetrated the skin (such as swelling, redness, or pus), or if the seed is lodged in the ear, nose, or eye, contact your vet immediately.If a seed begins to migrate internally, it can travel to vital organs.
Because they are vegetable matter, they do not show up on an X-ray, making early detection critical for a simple, safe removal.
