Grass Seeds & Dogs

Why Grass Seeds Are a Hidden Danger to Dogs During Summer Walks

As summer arrives and we head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine with our dogs, one hidden hazard can turn a joyful walk into a painful experience for your pup—grass seeds.

What Are Grass Seeds?

Grass seeds are the tiny, arrow-shaped seeds found at the tops of long grass stems, especially in meadows, fields, and woodland areas. While they may look harmless, their pointed shape makes them surprisingly dangerous to dogs. These seeds are designed by nature to latch on and travel, which is why they so easily attach themselves to fur, especially on active dogs exploring the great outdoors.

Why Are They a Problem for Dogs?

The real trouble with grass seeds begins once they get caught in your dog’s fur. Thanks to their sharp tips, grass seeds don’t just sit on the surface—they can work their way into the skin and start burrowing deeper. Common entry points include:

• Paws – between the toes or under the pads

• Ears – where they can cause irritation and infection

• Eyes and eyelids – potentially leading to swelling or discharge

• Nose – sometimes leading to sneezing fits or nasal discharge

What makes grass seeds especially tricky is their ability to migrate once under the skin. In rare cases, a grass seed can travel through the body and cause complications far from the entry point, such as infections in the chest cavity. And because they're small and hard to detect once inside, they can be difficult for vets to locate and remove.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Grass Seed Injury

Keep an eye out for signs like:

• Limping or excessive licking of a paw

• Head shaking or ear scratching

• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes or nose

• Sudden sneezing or difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms after a walk, especially in grassy areas, it’s best to consult your vet as soon as possible.

How to Protect Your Dog

• Check your dog after every walk, especially in summer. Focus on paws, ears, and underarms.

• Keep fur trimmed around sensitive areas like feet and ears.

• Avoid long grass where possible, especially during peak seed season.

• Use protective gear such as booties or grooming snoods for high-risk breeds.

Don’t Let Grass Seeds Ruin Your Dog’s Summer

Summer walks are one of the best parts of the season—for both you and your dog. By staying vigilant and knowing the risks, you can keep your furry friend safe, happy, and pain-free all season long.

Personal experience: Last summer, my dog Peggy had a grass seed lodged between her toes 😣 After a vet visit and a course of antibiotics, we spent a week gently squeezing and checking the area — and eventually, out popped the grass seed! 💥 Not saying this is the right method for everyone, but it’s what our vet recommended to try before considering surgery. Always follow your vet’s advice based on your dog’s situation 🐾