As autumn arrives, veterinarians are warning pet owners about the dangers of grass seeds, which can seriously harm animals.

Grass seeds are dangerous because they get caught in the fur of dogs and burrow deep due to tiny barbs, Tauranga Vets veterinarian Max Clout said.

“Like a barbed fishhook, they [grass seeds] can only go in one direction and readily penetrate through the skin.”

Clout said, in his experience, the risk period tends to be late spring through to early autumn, October-March.

“That corresponds with the period where grasses mature, dry out and release their seeds.”

“We have a pretty consistent caseload of grass seeds between October and April.

“I had one yesterday afternoon in the face of a dog having migrated through his mouth.”

 TickTock the Caboodle, 13, playing in long grass. Photo / David Hall

Consequences

Grass seeds migrate deeper into the skin and most of the time, the foreign body reaction will present with the pet licking constantly at the area.

“Once under the skin, the grass seed creates a foreign body reaction which results in a significant inflammatory response with pus and infection developing,” Clout said.

He said the owner may notice red swelling, typically between the toes of the pet.

“Unfortunately, all the licking and irritation doesn’t get rid of the grass seed, and they typically need to be removed surgically.”

If untreated, the grass seed can migrate deeper into the foot, throat, body or eye and create a persistent draining infection, he said.

“In the last year, across our five practices [Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, Te Puna and Katikati] we have had around 200-250 cases of confirmed or suspected grass seeds causing problems.”

Cost

There’s good news for some; Clout said some seeds are straightforward to remove and may be attempted in consultation under local aesthetic, providing the dog is quiet and calm. “This may cost around $200, including the consultation.

“Other cases require sedation and a larger exploration, along with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. This may cost in the range of $400-900+.”

Clout said that occasionally, dogs need a CT scan followed by exploratory surgery under general anaesthesia. This could cost upwards of $5000-$6000.

TickTock the Caboodle, 13, playing in long grass. Photo / David Hall

Prevention

As grass seeds are most likely to get caught in their feet, this is the first step to reducing the risk of problems.

Clout said keeping at-risk breeds' feet clipped short and regularly checking their coats for seeds after they are in longer grass.

“The first signs are typically related to the irritation of the seed entering the paw, so as soon as your pet starts licking their foot, have a look to see if you can find a soft swelling or a fragment of grass seed poking into the paw.

“If the seed is in the ear or eye, this is usually quickly noticed with the animal shaking their head or closing their eye and pawing at it.”

To identify a seed early, before it becomes more problematic, Clout advises prompt veterinary attention.

More susceptible breeds

While all breeds of dogs can be affected by grass seeds, Clout said those with longer and thicker hair coats are more likely to get them caught in their fur.

“Cats typically present with grass seeds under their eyelids, as their fur appears less “sticky” to the seeds.

“Labradoodles, spaniels, collie dogs and little white fluffies seem to be the ones most likely to get the grass seeds stuck in their fur, probably due to the length and “stickiness” of their coats.”

Around the Bay of Plenty, many parks and lifestyle blocks provide plenty of opportunities for grass seeds to catch on a pet’s fur.