What Every Dog Owner Should Know 

It’s that time of year again sunny walks, long grass, and unfortunately… grass seeds. While they seem harmless, these tiny barbed seeds can cause serious health issues for dogs.

They're sharp, sneaky, and designed to burrow. That means once they get stuck in your dog’s fur, ears, or paws, they don’t just stay there, they dig in deeper.

Why Are Grass Seeds Dangerous?

Grass seeds, especially from wild grasses are shaped like arrows with tiny barbs. This makes them ideal for attaching to fur and clothing, but terrible for dogs who love to run through meadows, parks, or long grass.

Once attached, they can work their way under the skin, into ears, eyes, noses, and even between toes sometimes requiring surgery to remove.

• Paws: Seeds can get stuck between toes, causing swelling, limping, licking, or even abscesses.
• Ears: Dogs with floppy ears are especially vulnerable. Watch for head shaking, tilting, or scratching.
• Eyes: Seeds near the eye can cause redness, discharge, or squinting and need urgent attention.
• Nose: If inhaled, seeds can cause sneezing fits, nasal discharge, or even breathing issues.

How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

You don’t need to avoid nature just be careful. Here’s how to reduce the risk:

• Inspect after every walk: Pay special attention to paws, ears, armpits, and groin area.
• Keep fur trimmed: Especially between the toes and around ears or legs if your dog has a longer coat.
• Avoid high-risk areas: Stick to mown paths during peak seed season (typically late spring to early autumn).
• Use paw balm or protective boots: These can help limit seed penetration and irritation.

When to See a Vet

If you notice limping, head shaking, obsessive licking, or any signs of discomfort after a walk get your dog checked.

The sooner a grass seed is removed, the lower the risk of infection or complications.

Final Thought

Grass seed season doesn’t have to mean vet visits and stress. With regular checks and a few simple precautions, your dog can enjoy their summer walks safely!

P.S. NutriPaw supports your dog’s skin, paws, and immune health — especially helpful during high-risk seasons like this.