Grass Seeds and Your Dog

Its summer and its grass seed season ! This time of year we are seeing many dogs coming in with grass seeds, some just stuck in their fur around their feet, some who have put their little heads where they shouldn't  and ended up with some nasty surprises!

Grass seeds don’t seem to be much of a problem until they get lodged into their little paws, in the ear canal or around the chest and neck area. Most can be pulled out without much effort, but we see plenty well and truly embedded into the skin.  Treatment can be as quick and easy as plucking them out. If left unnoticed and with the passing of time, grass seeds can very quickly result with your dog needing a trip to the vet !

SIGNS

There are several signs of grass seeds present in your dog. Matted fur can give you a visual sign that a grass seed is present along with constant licking by your dog.  Seeds in their ear result in constant shaking of the head, scratching at the ear and  rubbing their head along the floor.

Inflamed or red eyes can be a sign of a grass seed in the eye, eyelid or surrounding area.

TREATMENT

Treatment should be done as quickly as possible .  If the tail end of a grass seed is visible it  can usually be removed with tweezers, and only if you can be sure it hasn't gone too deep. If unsure it is of course always best to check with your vet. 

The best treatment of course is prevention! If your dog is in contact with long grass, gardens and parks with prickles, it is a good idea to give them a quick brush and run your hands over those areas that come into contact with the grass and bushes.  Pay extra attention to the paws,under their front legs,groin,chest,neck,ears and face. Regular clipping of long haired breeds will help reduce the risk of your dog picking up grass seeds.