A Guide to Grass Seeds in Dogs

Everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe from grass seeds

Don’t worry, we haven’t suddenly diversified into lawn maintenance (unless you want know what to do about those pesky lawn burns)! We are seeing the usual seasonal upsurge in grass seeds in the salons so we thought it would be helpful to put together our top tips on how to spot grass seeds and what to do when you do find them.

Where are they found and what do they do?

Grass seeds are most prolific in long meadow grass and are a common problem for dogs during the summer, those feathery little seed heads have a sharp barbed end that can easily get caught in the fur and even pierce the skin, much like a splinter. If left unchecked they can cause painful sores and infections, in rare cases they can even get under the skin and travel to other areas of your dog's body. 

Do all dogs pick up grass seeds?

Dogs with thicker coats are more likely to gather seeds on a walk but it is not uncommon for short haired breeds to collect them too, especially those low riders like Maude the Doghouse Dachshund!  

How can I tell if my dog has picked grass seeds?

Typically a grass seed will cause an irritation, much like a splinter. Signals to look out for are excessive licking or biting in one place, pawing at the face or eyes and head shaking if the seed is in or near the ear. A sudden onset of excessive sneezing can indicate a grass seed is up your dog's nose. It is common, particularly in the armpits or between the toes for a seed to cause swelling or a sore due to the pressure and movement in these sensitive areas. 

How can I protect my dog from grass seeds?

Grass seeds commonly get caught in hairy paws, armpits, ears and eyes, so these are the places to inspect thoroughly after a walk. Keeping hair trimmed short will help reduce the number of seeds your dog collects on a walk. Matted fur not only hides grass seeds but can actually cause them to penetrate the skin so regular grooming is key, brushing and combing with the correct grooming tools will remove most debris caught in your dog's coat. Checking between the toes and inside your dog's ears as part of your grooming routine is also important and will help you spot seeds before they cause any trouble! Browse our home grooming tools here.

What to do if you find a grass seed that has punctured your dog's skin?

If you spot a grass seed that has started to burrow into the skin, clean the area and assess whether you are able to safely remove the seed. If the seed is accessible you can simply pull it out using your fingers or a pair of tweezers can help get a good grip on the seed to gently remove. If you are in any doubt or if the seed is inside your dog's ears or eyes, consult your vet immediately.