Grass seeds: a hidden danger for your dog

Spring and early summer are wonderful times to explore the great outdoors with your dog. The blooming flowers, fresh grass, and longer days make for perfect walk conditions. However, one of the often-overlooked hazards that come with this season is grass seeds. These tiny, seemingly harmless seeds can cause significant discomfort and health issues for your dog if not properly managed.

Grass seeds are small, sharp, and designed by nature to burrow into the ground to grow. Unfortunately, they can just as easily burrow into your dog’s skin, ears, eyes, and paws. The most common type of grass seed that poses a threat to dogs is the foxtail, which is barbed and can easily lodge itself into soft tissues.

One of the most common places for grass seeds to become embedded is between your dog’s toes. After a walk, especially in grassy or wooded areas, it’s important to check your dog’s paws carefully. Look for any redness, swelling, or signs of discomfort, such as excessive licking. If a grass seed goes unnoticed, it can work its way deeper into the skin, potentially leading to serious infections that may require surgical removal.

Grass seeds can also pose a risk to your dog’s ears. Dogs with floppy ears or long hair are particularly vulnerable, as the seeds can easily get trapped and migrate into the ear canal. Signs of a grass seed in the ear include head shaking, scratching at the ear, and discomfort. If you suspect a grass seed is lodged in your dog’s ear, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately to prevent further complications.

At WOOOF Dog Grooming, we are trained to identify and safely remove grass seeds during grooming sessions. Our team thoroughly checks between toes, inside ears, and through the coat for any signs of these pesky seeds. Regular grooming can help minimize the risk by keeping your dog’s coat well-maintained and reducing the chances of seeds getting trapped.

Prevention is also key. Avoid walking your dog in areas where grass seeds are prevalent, especially during late spring and early summer. Keep your lawn trimmed and free of tall grasses, and consider using protective dog booties for walks in high-risk areas.

For more information on protecting your dog from grass seeds and to see how we take extra care of our clients during this season, follow us on Instagram @wooofgrooming.