Toll Barn Vet Centre warns of grass seed danger to dogs

Toll Barn Veterinary Centre, based in North Walsham, has issued a warning about the dangers of grass seeds, which can become a problem, especially at this time of year.

Grass seeds have sharp ends, which help them to stick to clothes and fur.

Grass seed that has been removed from a pet (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

The seeds can become embedded in pets’ feet, ears, eyes, or even lungs, causing significant discomfort if they are not removed with specialised equipment.

A spokesman for the veterinary centre said: "We are already seeing many pets with grass seed or barley awns.

Toll Barn Veterinary Centre is urging pet owners to be wary of grass seeds (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

"If they are removed early on, then no damage is done, however, some grass seeds will manage to pierce the skin and work their way into feet, down ear canals, or into eyes.

"Pets with grass seeds will usually show signs of pain associated with the location of the grass seed."

The vet centre is urging owners to book an appointment if their pet is showing any of these signs, so specialists can check that the culprit is not a grass seed.