Protecting Your Dog from Grass Seeds

As the UK basks in warmer weather and fields flourish, dog owners eagerly anticipate long walks with their canine companions. However, lurking within seemingly innocuous long grass is a silent danger: grass seeds. These tiny, barbed projectiles can cause significant discomfort, pain, and serious health complications for our beloved dogs if left unchecked.

At COYA Pet, we believe in providing the best for your furry friends, from nutritious meals to essential safety advice. Understanding the risks posed by grass seeds is crucial for every dog owner, especially during late spring and throughout the summer months when they are most prevalent.

Why Are Grass Seeds So Dangerous for Dogs?

Grass seeds, particularly from common UK grasses like foxtail, are designed to burrow. They have a sharp, pointed end and microscopic barbs that allow them to attach easily to fur and then migrate inwards. Once embedded, they can only travel in one direction, making them incredibly difficult to remove and prone to moving deeper into your dog's body.

These tiny invaders can cause a range of problems, from irritating superficial wounds to life-threatening internal abscesses and infections.

Common Areas Where Grass Seeds Can Get Stuck

Dogs, with their inquisitive natures and love for exploring, are particularly susceptible. The most common areas for these barbed projectiles to become embedded include:

• Paws: The thin skin between your dog's toes and paw pads is a prime target. Seeds can burrow deep, causing swelling, pain, and limping.
• Ears: Dogs who love to sniff and bound through long grass can easily get seeds lodged in their ear canals. This can lead to intense head shaking, head tilting, scratching, and painful infections, potentially even rupturing the eardrum.
• Eyes: A grass seed in the eye can cause severe irritation, excessive tearing, redness, and even lead to corneal ulcers if not promptly removed.
• Nose: Inhaling a grass seed can cause repeated sneezing, nasal discharge (sometimes bloody), and discomfort. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.
• Coat & Skin: Long-haired breeds are particularly vulnerable, as seeds can become entangled in their fur and then burrow into the skin, forming painful abscesses or cysts. These can appear anywhere on the body, including the armpits, groin, and flanks.
• Other areas: Less commonly, grass seeds have been known to migrate to other internal organs, such as the lungs or even the brain, leading to very serious complications.

Recognising the Signs: Symptoms to Look Out For

Vigilance is key. The sooner you spot a potential grass seed issue, the better the prognosis. Look out for any of the following symptoms after a walk, especially if it involved long, grassy areas:

• Excessive licking or chewing of a specific area (especially paws).
• Limping or reluctance to put weight on a paw.
• Swelling, redness, or a visible small hole on the skin, often with discharge or pus.
• Persistent head shaking or head tilting (suggesting an ear issue).
• Scratching at an ear or eye.
• Repeated sneezing or nasal discharge.
• Coughing or difficulty breathing.
• A non-healing wound or unexplained lump.
• General lethargy or a high temperature if an infection is present.

If you suspect your dog has a grass seed injury, contact your vet immediately. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to prevent the seed from migrating further and causing more serious issues.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

While it's impossible to eliminate all risks, you can significantly reduce your dog's exposure to grass seeds with these preventative measures:

1. Avoid long grass: Where possible, stick to well-maintained paths and mown areas, especially during the peak grass seed season (late spring to end of summer).
2. Regular and thorough checks: After every walk, especially if you've been in grassy areas, meticulously check your dog's coat, paying close attention to:
3. Between their toes and paw pads
4. Inside and around their ears
5. Around their eyes and nose
6. Under their armpits and in their groin area
7. Anywhere else on their body, running your fingers through their fur. If you find a seed that hasn't pierced the skin, gently remove it with tweezers.
8. Keep fur trimmed: For breeds with longer hair, especially around their paws and ears, consider keeping the fur clipped short. This makes it harder for seeds to latch on and easier for you to spot them.
9. Consider protective gear: For highly active dogs who love bounding through fields, protective booties or even snoods for their ears might be a worthwhile investment.
10. Grooming: Regular grooming helps to keep their coat in good condition, making it less likely for seeds to cling on.

Fuel Their Adventures, Safely

At COYA Pet, we're dedicated to your dog's health and happiness, inside and out. Ensuring they're safe from hazards like grass seeds means they can enjoy their walks to the fullest. And when they come home, tired but happy, you can be sure they're getting the very best nutrition with our range of freeze-dried raw dog food.

Stay vigilant this season, and enjoy those precious moments outdoors with your beloved canine companion!