The Hidden Danger in Summer Walks: How Grass Seeds Can Harm Your Dog

As the summer sun warms the pavements and the wild grasses sway along pathways, there’s a sneaky hazard hiding in plain sight—grass seeds. You might know them as those little arrowhead-shaped tufts clinging to your socks or trouser legs after a walk.

For your dog, however, these seemingly harmless seeds can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening problems.

What Are Grass Seeds—and Why Are They So Dangerous?

Grass seeds (often from grasses like barley or foxtail) are small, sharp, and covered in microscopic barbs. Designed by nature to burrow into soil, these same features allow them to burrow into your dog's body. Once attached to fur—especially around the paws, ears, armpits, groin, or nose—they can pierce the skin and migrate deep inside tissues.

These seeds don’t break down easily. Instead, they travel one way only—inward. Their path can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Real Talk from a Vet

Over the years, I’ve removed grass seeds from all sorts of places: noses, ears, paws—even lungs. One unforgettable case involved a seed inhaled into a dog’s airways. It migrated through the lung tissue, passed through the diaphragm, lodged in the liver, and eventually emerged through the side of the dog’s body, leaking a painful mix of pus and bile. A tiny seed. A massive, harrowing ordeal.

Where and When Are Grass Seeds a Risk?

Right now, late spring to early autumn is prime grass seed season. Pavements, fields, meadows, even your local park can be hotspots. If your dog:

• Loves sniffing under hedges

• Has long or fluffy fur (especially on the feet or ears)

• Runs off-lead through tall grasses

…they’re at higher risk.

Common Signs of a Grass Seed Problem

Keep an eye out for the following signs, especially after walks:

• Persistent sneezing (may indicate one in the nose)

• Sudden head shaking or pawing at an ear

• Licking or chewing at one foot

• A red, hot, swollen area—especially between the toes

• An unexplained lump or abscess that discharges

• Limping or sensitivity when touching a leg or paw

• Coughing or breathing changes

These can all point to a grass seed trying to burrow its way inside.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe (Without Being the Fun Police)

Good news—you don’t have to stop enjoying summer walks! A few simple steps can keep your dog safe and happy:

1. Avoid tall, seeding grass when choosing walk routes.

2. Stick to well-maintained paths when possible.

3. Check your dog thoroughly after walks, especially:

   • Between toes

   • Under ears

   • In armpits and groin area

   • Around eyes and nostrils

4. Groom regularly. Trimming fur around feet and ears can make it harder for seeds to latch on.

5. Teach a “post-walk check” routine—many dogs enjoy the extra attention.

When to See the Vet

If your dog is showing any of the signs listed above—especially if they worsen or don’t go away—don’t wait. The earlier a grass seed is found, the easier it is to remove. Left too long, they can cause deep infections, tissue damage, or even internal organ complications.

Final Woof

Grass seeds may be tiny, but they can pack a dangerous punch. A little awareness and some simple preventative steps can go a long way to keeping your dog healthy and happy all summer long.

Got questions? Drop us a message or book a quick check—we're always here to help sniff out trouble before it burrows too deep.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.