Eastgate Vets in Thetford issues dog grass seed warning

Eastgate Vets in Thetford has issued the warning after seeing a higher-than-usual number of affected dogs admitted to its surgery.

Grass seeds can be inhaled into the nose or become imbedded in paws, ears, eyes, armpits, the tail, the groin or other areas of skin, and may cause painful wounds and infections.

The seeds can also pierce the skin and migrate through the body or, if inhaled, lodge in the lungs, leading to serious infections that may be life-threatening.

A warning has been made to dog owners following the rise in the number of problems caused by grass seeds (Image: Eastgate Vets)

The most susceptible dogs are breeds with feathery toes and long floppy ears, such as spaniels.

Clinical director Dr Jo Cobbettof said: “The seeds typically fall off long, wild grass or some crops such as barley and attach themselves via barbs to the dog’s coat.

READ MORE: Warning to dog owners as woman left fearing for life after snake bite

"It’s a really good idea for owners to check and groom their dogs if they have been walked in areas with long grass and remove any grass seeds that you find.

“If your dog is affected by seeds, you may notice hair matting, irritation and swelling, and blood or discharge from a small wound.

A warning has been made to dog owners following the rise in the number of problems caused by grass seeds (Image: Eastgate Vets)

“Other typical signs include excessive or unusual licking, scratching and rubbing, head shaking, limping or discharge from the eyes or nose.

"If a seed is lodged in your dog’s mouth, which sometimes happens when they chew an area of skin where seeds have become attached, they may lick their lips excessively or rub their face with a paw.

READ MORE: Warning to dog owners over toxic common plant

“If you are concerned your dog may have an embedded grass seed, you should contact your vet.

"It’s particularly important to take your pet to the vet if you suspect there is a grass seed in their eye, as they’ll need to check that the surface of the eye has not been scratched, which could lead to an ulcer forming.”