Grass Seeds: The Tiny Plant Part That Causes Big Problems for Dogs — and Even Bigger Vet Bills.

Grass seed dangers for dogs are real. Learn how to prevent, spot, and treat this hidden hazard to keep your dog safe and healthy after every walk.

A sunny walk through long grass might seem harmless, but for dog owners, it hides one of summer’s most common and dangerous problems: grass seeds. These tiny, sharp awns can burrow into your dog’s skin, causing pain, infection, and even serious internal damage. Understanding the grass seed dangers for dogs can help you protect your pet before a small irritation turns into an emergency.

What Makes Grass Seeds Dangerous for Dogs

How Grass Seeds Attach to Fur and Skin

Grass seeds, often called “awns,” are shaped like miniature darts. Their pointed ends easily catch onto fur, especially between toes or under armpits. Once attached, the seed’s barbed structure pushes deeper into the skin with every movement and it doesn’t stop until it’s removed.

Common Places Grass Seeds Get Stuck

These seeds can lodge:

• Between the toes or paw pads

• Ears and nostrils

• Under the tail or in armpits

• Eyes or eyelids

Because of their size and shape, they can migrate quickly under the skin, causing swelling and infection that’s difficult to detect.

Symptoms to Watch for After Walks

Limping, Licking, and Redness

If your dog suddenly starts limping or obsessively licking a paw, check immediately. Redness, swelling, or a small puncture point may indicate a seed has penetrated. In some cases, dogs may shake their heads, sneeze, or paw at their ears — all signs that a seed could be lodged deeper.

Hidden Risks: When to Call the Vet

Grass seeds can move quickly through tissue and even reach vital organs. If your dog’s discomfort persists, don’t wait. A vet can locate and remove the seed safely before it causes abscesses or internal infection. Always err on the side of caution.

Prevention and Daily Care Tips

Brushing After Every Walk

The simplest and most effective prevention step is a quick brush-down after every walk. This removes loose grass seeds before they burrow in. Pay special attention to the paws, belly, chest, and tail.

Checking Paws, Toes, and Ears

Make it a routine: gently spread your dog’s toes and look between pads. Feel for any tenderness, swelling, or foreign material. Check ears for signs of scratching or shaking. These few minutes can save your dog from a painful vet visit later.

Real-Life Examples: Jemima and Basher's Story

At Hackett Hounds & Cats, we frequently see how easily grass seeds can cause significant problems for pets. Recently, Adrienne’s two dogs — "Jemima", a Poodle, and "Basher", a Springer Spaniel — each required veterinary treatment after grass seeds became lodged in their paws. "Marmite" a daycare regular developed a persistent limp that was ultimately traced back to a single seed as well.

This issue isn’t limited to long-haired breeds. Even a short walk through areas with tall or dry grass can result in a seed becoming trapped and going unnoticed.

Steenberg Vets confirmed a clear pattern: grass seed cases rise sharply at certain times of the year. They treat multiple dogs every week for seeds embedded in paws, ears, eyes, and even noses. What begins as a minor irritation can quickly escalate into a painful infection that often requires surgical removal.

Peak Season - When Grass Seeds Pose the Greatest Risk to Pets in Cape Town

• Late spring (Oct–Nov): Grasses dry out and start forming sharp awns

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Seeds fully dry, break off easily, and stick to fur and paws

• Early autumn (March): Old seeds still linger at fields, parks, and roadside verges

• Hot, dry, windy days spread seeds everywhere — including into daycare yards

The worst months? January and February

These are typically the most problematic because:

• Seeds reach maximum dryness

• Dogs spend more time outdoors

• Wind is constant

• Lawns and fields have the most loose, brittle seed heads

High-risk environments in our area:

• Verges and pavements (especially Southern Suburbs)

• Fields in Tokai, Constantia, Kirstenhof, Bergvliet

• Greenbelt edges

• Dry patches in dog parks

• Unmaintained road edges

Grass seeds may be small, but the problems they cause can be significant. Building simple routines — such as brushing your dog, checking their paws, and giving them a quick once-over after each walk — goes a long way in preventing discomfort and more serious complications.

If you suspect a grass seed may be embedded, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early intervention is always safer than waiting for an infection or deeper tissue damage to develop.

At Hackett Hounds & Cats, we also provide a full grooming service. You’re welcome to book your dog in for a dedicated half hour brushing session with one of our caring team members to help keep them comfortable and protected.