Grass Seed Dangers in Dogs: What Every Professional Should Know
By RVN Ros Sherlock | July 2025
Having worked in a clinical practice for many years, I have frequently observed how something as small as a grass seed can lead to significant health issues in dogs. Although they may appear harmless, grass seeds—also known as foxtails—pose a real risk to the health of dogs, particularly during the spring and summer months when the mature grasses have dried out and they are hard to avoid during walks.
The seeds are found at the tops of many wild grasses and due to their barbed, pointed shape, they can easily become embedded into a dog’s skin or mucous membranes. Once lodged, the seed’s design ensures it only moves deeper. Dogs typically pick them up while walking or running through long grass, especially around the external ear canal, conjunctiva, nasal passages, axillae (armpits), or between the toes and pads.
Clinical Signs to Watch For
Dog care professionals should be aware of the following signs that may indicate a grass seed-related issue:
- Acute onset lameness, particularly with persistent licking or chewing at one paw
- Head shaking, ear scratching, or signs of otitis externa (pain, redness, discharge)
- Unilateral ocular irritation: squinting, excessive blinking, red conjunctiva, or watery eyes
- Paroxysmal sneezing, nasal discharge, or epistaxis (nosebleeds)
- Sudden swelling or draining tracts in areas like paws, axillae, or groin
Any of the above signs warrant urgent veterinary attention. Delayed treatment often leads to deeper migration of the foreign body and increases the risk of complications.
Clinical Concerns
- Paws/Toes: Swelling, pain, and lameness—often requiring sedation to locate and remove the seed
- Eyes: Grass seeds may hide under the eyelid, causing ulcers and conjunctivitis; removal typically requires ocular anaesthetic
- Skin: Can cause abscesses and continue tracking through tissue
- Ears: Painful infections and potential eardrum damage; sedation often required for removal
- Granulomas: Foreign body granulomas (pain, swelling, redness) may need to be explored under sedation
- Internal Migration: In rare cases, seeds migrate internally or are inhaled into the lungs—imaging and surgery may be needed
Preventive Recommendations for Dog Care Professionals
As grooming and care professionals, you can play a vital role in early detection and prevention. Here’s how:
- Avoid walking dogs through long, dry grass during peak seed-shedding months
- Check dogs thoroughly after walks—especially paws (between toes), ears (long-haired breeds), underarms, and around the eyes
- Trim fur around high-risk areas: feet, ears, and groin
- If a seed is seen in the coat, carefully remove it. If embedded in skin or orifices, refer immediately to a vet
For more detailed clinical guidance, consult the Vet Nurse.
