How to Protect Your Dog from Grass Seeds This Summer 

Grass seeds in dogs are one of the most common summer hazards. Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy longer walks, countryside adventures and days outdoors with your dog. However, it also marks the start of grass seed season, when one of the smallest summer hazards can become a surprisingly serious problem. 

Grass seeds in dogs are common during the warmer months, particularly after walks through long grass, meadows and woodland paths. These tiny, pointed seeds can easily become trapped in your dog’s paws, ears, eyes or coat, where they may cause pain, irritation and infection. 

The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk and enjoy your summer walks with confidence. 

Why Are Grass Seeds Dangerous? 

Grass seeds in dogs can quickly become a serious problem if they are left unnoticed after a walk.

Grass seeds are designed to attach themselves to animals so they can spread naturally. Unfortunately, this means they can also attach to your dog. 

Because they are small, sharp and pointed, grass seeds can work their way through the fur and even penetrate the skin. Unlike splinters, they rarely work their way back out naturally and can continue to travel deeper into the body if left untreated. 

If a grass seed becomes embedded, it can lead to: 

• Pain and discomfort
• Swelling
• Infection
• Abscesses
• Damage to the ears, eyes or nose
• Veterinary treatment to remove the seed

Checking your dog after every walk is one of the easiest ways to prevent a small problem from becoming a much larger one. 

When Is Grass Seed Season? 

Grass seed season typically runs from late spring through to early autumn, with July and August being the highest-risk months. 

Warm, dry weather causes grasses to produce the sharp seeds that are most likely to attach to your dog’s coat. 

If you’re walking through fields, country footpaths or areas of long grass, it’s worth being extra vigilant. 

Where Do Grass Seeds Get Stuck?

Knowing where grass seeds in dogs are most commonly found makes them much easier to spot after a walk.

Grass seeds can become lodged almost anywhere on your dog’s body, but there are a few places where they are most commonly found. 

Paws 

The spaces between your dog’s toes are one of the most common places for grass seeds to hide. 

Check: 

• Between each toe
• Around the paw pads
• Around long fur on the feet  

Dogs with hairy paws may be particularly prone to picking them up. 

Ears 

Dogs with floppy or furry ears are especially vulnerable. A grass seed trapped inside the ear can quickly become painful and may cause inflammation or infection. 

Eyes 

If a grass seed enters or scratches the eye, it can cause irritation almost immediately. 

Watch for: 

• Squinting
• Excessive watering
• Pawing at the eye
• Redness

Eye injuries should always be assessed by a vet. 

Nose 

Curious dogs love sniffing through long grass, but this can sometimes allow a grass seed to enter the nostril. 

Signs include: 

• Sudden repeated sneezing
• Pawing at the nose
• Nasal discharge
• Bleeding from one nostril

Under the Legs and Belly 

Grass seeds can easily cling to the softer areas underneath your dog, particularly if they enjoy running through long grass. 

Take a moment to check: 

• Armpits
• Groin
• Belly
• Chest
• Tail

Signs Your Dog May Have a Grass Seed

The signs of grass seeds in dogs often appear shortly after a walk through long grass.

Sometimes grass seeds are easy to spot, but often the first clue is a change in your dog’s behaviour. 

Common signs include: 

• Limping
• Contstant licking of one paw
• Swelling between the toes
• Head shaking
• Scratching at one ear
• Squinting or watery eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Small lumps or swelling
• Signs of pain when touched 

If you notice any of these symptoms after a walk, it’s worth checking your dog carefully. 

How to Protect Against Grass Seeds in Dogs

Fortunately, preventing grass seeds in dogs is usually straightforward if you check your dog carefully after every walk.

Check Your Dog After Every Walk 

The best defence is a quick inspection after every walk. 

Run your hands through your dog’s coat and pay particular attention to: 

• Paws
• Ears
• Eyes
• Belly
• Under the legs
• Tail

Removing loose seeds before they become embedded can prevent more serious problems later. 

Keep Long Fur Trimmed 

Dogs with longer coats can benefit from regular grooming during the summer. 

Keeping the fur around the paws and ears neatly trimmed makes it harder for grass seeds to become trapped. 

Avoid Long, Dry Grass 

Whenever possible, stick to well-maintained paths rather than allowing your dog to run through areas of long, dry grass where seeds are abundant. 

This doesn’t mean avoiding countryside walks altogether, simply choosing routes carefully during peak grass seed season. 

Brush Your Dog Regularly 

A quick brush after each walk helps remove loose grass seeds, burrs and other debris before they work into the coat. 

It’s also an excellent opportunity to spot cuts, ticks or other issues. 

What Should You Do If You Find a Grass Seed?

Embedded grass seeds in dogs should always be assessed by a veterinary professional.

If a grass seed is simply sitting on your dog’s coat, gently remove it. 

However, if you think the seed has entered the skin, ear, eye or nose, avoid trying to remove it yourself. 

Instead: 

• Keep your dog calm
• Prevent excessive licking or scratching
• Contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible. 

Attempting to dig out an embedded grass seed can push it deeper and make treatment more difficult. 

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk? 

Although every dog can pick up grass seeds, some breeds may be more susceptible. 

This includes: 

• Spaniels
• Retrievers
• Setters
• Cockapooes
• Long-haired breeds
• Dogs with fluffy paws
• Dogs with floppy ears

However, even short-haired dogs should be checked after every summer walk. 

Enjoy Safe Summer Adventures 

Grass seeds may be tiny, but they can cause significant discomfort if left unnoticed. 

By checking your dog after walks, avoiding long grass where practical and acting quickly if something doesn’t seem right, you can greatly reduce the risk. 

A few extra minutes after each walk can help keep your dog happy, healthy and enjoying everything summer has to offer. 

We Love Pets Is Here to Help 

At We Love Pets, the safety and wellbeing of every pet is our priority. 

Our professional dog walkers understand the risks of grass seeds in dogs and check every dog carefully during summer walks.

Whether you’re looking for regular dog walking or occasional support while you’re away, we’re here to help. 

Find your local We Love Pets branch here.