Grass Seeds and Dogs. The Hidden Danger Lurking in Summer Walks

The warm weather rolls in, the parks come alive with colour, and walking your dog becomes that bit more enjoyable. But there is a hidden hazard that often goes unnoticed — grass seeds. While they might look harmless stuck to your socks or trailing on your jeans after a stroll, these tiny seeds can pose a serious threat to your dog’s health.

At Paws Academy, we have seen first-hand how something as seemingly innocent as a grass seed can turn into an emergency vet visit. Knowing what to look out for can prevent your dog a lot of pain and save you unnecessary stress.

Why Are Grass Seeds Dangerous for Dogs

Grass seeds, particularly from common wild grasses like barley and foxtail, are small, arrow-shaped and incredibly sharp. This unique shape means they do not just cling to fur, they can actually burrow into the skin. Once they have pierced the surface, they can travel deeper into the body, potentially reaching organs if left untreated.

Dogs with longer coats or feathering around their ears, paws or underarms are especially vulnerable. But any dog, regardless of size or breed, can be affected if they have been running through grassy fields or untrimmed areas.

Where Do Grass Seeds Commonly Enter the Body

The most common entry points are between the toes, in the ears, around the eyes, under the armpits and in the groin area. Each location presents its own risks, but the toes and ears are by far the most frequently affected.

Spotting the Signs Early

One of the trickiest things about grass seeds is that the symptoms do not always show up right away. They can start small and gradually worsen. Here is what you need to keep an eye out for.

Limping or excessive licking of the paws

If your dog suddenly starts favouring one leg, or obsessively licks at their paw, there is a chance a grass seed has worked its way between the toes.

Shaking or tilting the head

Grass seeds in the ear can be especially painful and often lead to vigorous head shaking or one-sided head tilting. Dogs may also scratch their ears more than usual.

Redness, swelling or discharge

Any inflamed area, particularly if it is weeping or looks infected, is a warning sign. Grass seeds can introduce bacteria, leading to abscesses.

Sudden sneezing or nasal discharge

Inhalation of a grass seed can lead to sneezing fits and a runny nose. Left untreated, this can progress into more serious respiratory problems.

How Fast Can Grass Seeds Become a Problem

It can happen in a matter of hours. Because of their barbed shape, grass seeds only move in one direction, forward. This means once they enter the skin, they continue to migrate, and they do not come out on their own.

In some cases, grass seeds have been found in the chest cavity or behind the eyes after initially entering through a seemingly small puncture wound. That is why speed is so crucial. The sooner you identify and remove the seed, the less chance it has to cause deeper problems.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Grass Seed

If you spot a grass seed still attached to the fur and it has not penetrated the skin, you may be able to remove it with tweezers. However, if there is any sign that it has gone under the skin or entered the ear, eye or nose, you should contact your vet immediately.

Attempting to remove a deeply embedded seed yourself can result in pushing it further in or causing infection. A vet will have the tools and knowledge to safely remove it and treat the area.

Preventing Grass Seed Issues

Prevention is always better than cure. While you cannot completely eliminate the risk, there are steps you can take to minimise it.

Keep your dog’s coat well groomed

Trimming the fur around vulnerable areas like paws, ears and armpits during summer months can reduce the chance of seeds becoming lodged.

Check your dog after walks

Make it part of your routine. Run your hands over their body, inspect between the toes, inside the ears and around the eyes. The quicker you spot a grass seed, the easier it is to remove.

Stick to well-maintained paths

Avoid areas where grasses have been allowed to grow wild, particularly during late spring through autumn, when grass seeds are most active.

Can Grass Seeds Be Life-Threatening

Unfortunately, yes. While not every case results in something serious, there are times when grass seeds travel internally and cause major issues. They can puncture lungs, trigger internal infections, or become lodged in sensitive areas like the spine or behind the eyes. When a dog becomes unwell and there is no obvious cause, hidden grass seeds are often discovered during imaging or surgery.

This is why we always stress the importance of vigilance during the warmer months.

Grass Seeds and Dogs in Ireland and Beyond

Here in Ireland, where the countryside is lush and walks are often scenic, the grass seed problem is particularly common. However, this is not just a local issue. Anyone who walks their dog in grassy or overgrown areas — from city parks to rural trails — should be aware of the risks.

At Paws Academy, we support clients from all over the world. No matter where you live, grass seeds are something every dog owner should understand.

Training and Routine Checks Go Hand in Hand

At Paws Academy, we always incorporate basic care awareness into our training sessions. Training your dog to be comfortable with paw checks, ear inspections and gentle grooming is incredibly useful. It makes spotting things like grass seeds quicker and less stressful for everyone.

If your dog finds grooming a challenge, or if you would like help making vet trips easier and more relaxed, we are here to help.

We offer one-to-one sessions, both in person and virtually, to make training accessible no matter where you are. Contact us to find out more.