FAQ: Helpfull Information

How Can Grass Seeds and Awns Harm Your Pet?

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Did you know that tiny grass seeds can cause big problems for your dog? Even though they seem harmless, these little seeds can lead to painful infections and other serious health issues. Many dogs pick up grass seeds while playing outside, especially in grassy areas. In Australia, some of the most common trouble-causing grasses include spear grass, barley grass, and wild oats.

What Are Grass Seeds and Awns?

Grass seeds are small, sharp, and designed to spread and grow. Unfortunately, they can also stick to your pet’s fur and burrow into their skin. There are two main types that can harm dogs:

1. Grass Seeds

These tiny seeds, usually less than a centimeter long, are sharp and pointy. They can attach to your dog’s fur and enter their body through the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, paws, or even directly through the skin. If they aren’t removed, they can travel inside the body and reach important organs like the lungs, brain, bladder, or spinal cord. This can cause serious pain, swelling, and infections.

2. Grass Awns (Barbs)

Awns are tougher and larger than regular grass seeds. They have a sharp, arrow-like shape that helps them stick to fur. If a dog runs through tall grass, awns can attach to their coat and burrow under the skin. Unlike regular seeds, awns are harder to spot and often require medical imaging or even surgery to remove.

Symptoms of a Grass Seed or Awn in Your Dog

If a grass seed or awn gets stuck, your dog may show symptoms depending on where it is:

• Skin or Paws: Swelling, pain, excessive licking, limping, or a wound that oozes blood or pus.

• Ears or Brain: Head shaking, ear scratching, head tilting, loss of balance, or even neurological symptoms.

• Nose or Muzzle: Sneezing, a bloody or runny nose, shaking their head, or pawing at their face.

• Eyes: Redness, swelling, discharge, or difficulty keeping the eye open.

• Lungs or Throat: Coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, tiredness, swelling in the neck, or loss of appetite.

• Spinal Cord or Internal Organs: Trouble walking, weakness, loss of appetite, or difficulty urinating.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Any dog can get a grass seed stuck, but some are more at risk than others. Dogs with medium or long fur are especially vulnerable because seeds can easily get tangled in their coats. Breeds with floppy ears are also more likely to get seeds stuck in their ears.

How to Prevent Grass Seed Problems

Since grass seeds can cause so many issues, prevention is key! Here are some simple ways to protect your dog:

• Brush your dog regularly, especially after walks – This helps remove any seeds before they burrow into the skin.

• Check your dog’s fur, paws, ears, and nose after outdoor play – Pay extra attention if they’ve been running through tall grass.

• Keep your lawn trimmed – Short grass is less likely to produce harmful seeds.

• Avoid areas with tall, dry grass – Try to stick to paths and open spaces when walking your dog.

When to See a Vet

If your dog is showing signs of discomfort or infection, it’s important to get them checked by a vet as soon as possible. Some grass seeds and awns can move deep into the body, causing serious damage if left untreated. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove them.

If you think your dog might have a grass seed problem, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital like SASH Emergency. The sooner it’s treated, the better!