The Hidden Danger: Checking Animals for Grass Seeds and the Complications That Can Arise

As the summer draws to a very dry close with the dry grass wafting in the breeze, pet owners, dog walkers, and livestock handlers still face an often-overlooked but serious hazard: grass seeds. These tiny plant parts might seem harmless, but for dogs, cats, horses, and livestock, they can cause painful injuries, dangerous infections, and long-term health problems if not detected and removed quickly.

This guide explains what grass seeds are, why they’re such a risk to animals, the complications they cause, and how you can protect your pets with simple seasonal checks.

What Are Grass Seeds?

Grass seeds, also known as awns, are the sharp, barbed seeds produced by many types of grass, especially during late spring and summer. Their arrow-like shape and backward-facing barbs allow them to:

• Stick easily to fur, wool, and feathers

• Work their way under the skin

• Travel deeper into soft tissue, ears, eyes, or even noses

Unlike burrs, which remain on the surface, grass seeds are designed to burrow and migrate, making them one of the most common hidden dangers in summer pet care.

Why Grass Seeds Are a Problem for Pets

Grass seeds are more than just an irritation. Because of their structure, they don’t simply fall off—they burrow deeper, often causing serious complications in dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.

They commonly enter through:

• Paws – between toes and pads

• Ears – especially in floppy-eared breeds

• Eyes – causing irritation and ulcers

• Noses – through sniffing and inhalation

• Skin and Coat – particularly around armpits, groin, and tail base

If not found, grass seeds can cause infections, abscesses, and in severe cases, internal migration that may require surgery.

Common Complications from Grass Seeds

1. Paw Infections

Grass seeds often lodge between a pet’s toes. Signs include limping, constant licking, swelling, or redness. Left untreated, seeds can form painful abscesses requiring veterinary surgery.

2. Ear Problems

Seeds can slip into ears, especially in spaniels, retrievers, and other floppy-eared breeds. Watch for:

• Head shaking

• Ear scratching

• Tilting of the head

If ignored, the seed may puncture the eardrum, causing hearing loss.

3. Eye Irritations

A grass seed in the eye can quickly escalate into:

• Redness and swelling

• Squinting or excessive tearing

• Ulcers on the cornea

• Permanent damage or loss of vision

4. Nasal Inhalation

Dogs are particularly vulnerable due to sniffing. Symptoms include:

• Sudden sneezing fits

• Nasal discharge

• Nosebleeds

5. Skin Abscesses and Internal Migration

When a seed pierces the skin, it can travel internally, creating a “tracking wound.” These injuries rarely heal until the seed is located and removed. In some cases, vets may need imaging or exploratory surgery to find it.

Animals at Highest Risk

• Dogs – especially long-haired breeds and active outdoor dogs

• Cats – particularly outdoor and feral cats

• Sheep and Livestock – seeds can burrow into fleece or skin

• Horses – often affected around hooves, fetlocks, and manes

How to Check Pets for Grass Seeds

Routine checks are the best way to prevent grass seed injuries. Here’s what to look for during your summer pet care routine:

• Paws: Check between toes and pads for redness, swelling, or signs of chewing.

• Ears: Inspect for redness, foul smell, or head shaking.

• Eyes: Look for squinting, discharge, or redness.

• Coat & Skin: Run your hands through fur, especially armpits, groin, and tail base.

• Nose: Watch for sneezing, pawing at the face, or nosebleeds.

Tip: After walks or grazing, brush and inspect your pets daily to reduce the risk of complications.

When to See a Vet

If you suspect a grass seed has embedded in your pet, do not try to dig it out yourself—this can push it deeper. Instead, seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment prevents infections, abscesses, and unnecessary suffering.

Final Thoughts

Grass seeds are a hidden but serious seasonal threat to pets and livestock. By staying alert, checking your animals regularly, and acting quickly if you notice symptoms, you can keep your pets safe and healthy all summer long.

At Paws Company, we’re committed to helping pet owners with practical, reliable pet care advice. With a few preventative steps, you can protect your furry, feathered, or hooved friends from the hidden dangers of grass seeds.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer with your loved companions.