03/06/2026
⚠️ Grass Seed Awareness for Dog Owners ⚠️
Today, one of my regular doggy clients had an unfortunate encounter with a foxtail grass seed. During our time together, she became uncomfortable and it was suspected that a grass seed had become lodged in her ear. Despite checking carefully, I was unable to safely retrieve it myself, and she had to be seen by a vet, where the grass seed was removed under sedation.
📸 Photo attached of the grass seed that was removed.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
This situation also highlights the importance of acting quickly. Because I noticed there was a problem straight away and informed her owner immediately, and because her owner got her to the vets promptly, the grass seed was dealt with before it had the chance to cause more serious complications. That quick response has likely saved her from a great deal of discomfort and potentially much more invasive treatment further down the line.
What are grass seeds?
Grass seeds are the sharp, arrow-shaped seeds produced by certain grasses. Some of the most problematic varieties include:
• Foxtail grass seeds
• Barley grass seeds
• Wild meadow grass seeds
• Spear grass and other awned grasses
These seeds are designed by nature to travel in one direction. Unfortunately, that means they can easily work their way into a dog's body but cannot easily come back out.
Where can grass seeds get stuck?
Grass seeds commonly become lodged in:
👂 Ears
👃 Nostrils
👁 Eyes
🐾 Between the toes
🦴 Under the skin
🧥 Armpits and groin areas
In more serious cases, they can migrate deeper into the body, causing infections, abscesses, and significant discomfort.
Signs to watch out for
If your dog has picked up a grass seed, you may notice:
• Sudden head shaking or tilting
• Excessive scratching at the ears
• Sneezing repeatedly
• Paw licking or chewing
• Swelling, redness, or discharge
• Squinting or excessive eye watering
• Sudden signs of pain or discomfort
Why quick action matters
Grass seeds should never be ignored. Because of their shape, they can continue to travel through tissue, leading to:
⚠️ Painful infections
⚠️ Abscesses
⚠️ Damage to ears, eyes, or nasal passages
⚠️ Surgery or sedation to locate and remove them
The sooner a grass seed is identified and removed, the better the outcome for your dog.
How to help prevent problems
✅ Check your dog thoroughly after walks, especially in long grass.
✅ Pay close attention to ears, paws, eyes, and underarms.
✅ Keep fur around paws and ears neatly trimmed if appropriate for your dog's breed.
✅ Avoid areas with long, dry seed-bearing grasses whenever possible.
Thankfully, today's client is doing well after her vet visit, but it serves as a reminder of how something so small can quickly become a serious problem.
Early detection, quick communication, and prompt veterinary treatment made all the difference in this case.
Please take a few extra minutes to check your dogs after walks this season—it could save them a lot of discomfort, a more complicated veterinary procedure, and potentially a very serious health issue.
Feel free to share this post to help raise awareness and keep more dogs safe. ❤️🐾
