Grass seeds can be a tiny but mighty hazard for dogs, especially during the warmer months in Australia.
These small seeds from plants like barley grass, spear grass, and wild oats can burrow into your dog’s fur, skin, ears, eyes, or paws, causing pain, infections, or even more serious complications.
Learning how to check for grass seeds in dogs (and what they look like) is essential for keeping your furry friend safe.
Why grass seeds are dangerous:
Grass seeds often have sharp, barbed tips that allow them to penetrate skin or migrate through tissue. Dogs are particularly at risk because they run, sniff, and roll through long grass, unknowingly picking up seeds along the way.
Early detection can prevent severe health issues like:
Abscesses or infections under the skin
Ear infections
Eye injuries
Paw and pad irritations
Respiratory problems from inhaled seeds
When to watch out for grass seeds in dogs:
The peak season for grass seeds in Australia is spring to early summer. If your dog spends time outdoors during this period, it’s important to:
✔️ Check them after walks, especially in fields, parks, or areas with tall, dry grass.
✔️ Inspect them daily if they have long or thick fur, as seeds can hide easily.
How to check for grass seeds in dogs
To help keep your doggo irritation-free (and free from potential infection or harm), here’s a step-by-step guide to thoroughly check them for these pesky little grass seeds.
1. Start with their paws
Examine between each toe and pad for seeds or signs of irritation.
Look for redness, swelling, or your dog licking/chewing excessively.
2. Check their fur
Run your fingers through your dog’s coat, focusing on the belly, legs, and armpits.
Use a fine-toothed comb to remove any seeds that may be caught in fur.
3. Inspect their ears
Lift the ear flap and look for redness, discharge, or swelling.
Dogs may shake their heads or scratch at their ears if a seed is lodged inside.
4. Examine their eyes
Look for redness, tearing, or squinting.
Seeds can scratch the cornea, so any signs of irritation should be addressed promptly.
5. Check their snout
Watch for sneezing, nasal discharge, or pawing at the nose.
Seeds can sometimes become lodged inside the nostrils, causing discomfort.
6. Monitor their behaviour
Yep, that’s right. Your dog could give you signs of discomfort from grass seeds, so be sure to look out for: limping, discomfort while walking, or frequent licking of a particular spot.
Prevention tips
To help reduce your risk of finding grass seeds in dogs fur or body, avoid walking them in long, dry grass during peak season (September – December).
On your own property, you can keep lawns trimmed and remove seed heads in your yard.
Regular dog grooming also helps catch seeds before they embed.
And, for those who are this way inclined, consider dog booties or paw protectors for extra protection during walks.
What to do if you find grass seeds in dogs
If you spot a grass seed on your dog’s coat or caught in their fur, you can carefully remove it straight away with your fingers or a comb.
However, if the seed looks like it has pierced the skin, is lodged deep in the ear, nose, or eye, or if your dog is showing signs of pain or irritation, do not try removing it yourself.
Attempting to dig out a seed can push it in further or cause additional injury. In these cases, the safest option is to book a visit with your vet. They can remove the seed safely and provide any necessary treatment, such as antibiotics or pain relief, to stop infection from developing. Acting quickly will help prevent further complications and get your dog comfortable again.
Call your vet immediately if you notice:
– Persistent head shaking, pawing at the ears, or tilting of the head
– Red, swollen, or watery eyes
– Sneezing fits or nasal discharge (sometimes with blood)
– Lumps, swelling, or open wounds on the skin
– Limping, reluctance to walk, or excessive licking of a paw
