The hot weather is here, and along with that comes the dreaded grass seed season!
Grass seeds are very common in summer and spring, but can happen all year round. They can enter your pet’s skin and migrate throughout their body.
They have a barbed structure, which means they can become embedded very easily and often need to be removed under anaesthetic.
Grass seeds can cause infection in the areas where they enter and migrate to. Commonly, they are found in paws, ears or even noses! They have the potential to migrate to anywhere in the body however, and have been found in areas like the chest cavity before!
Symptoms you may notice if your dog has a grass seed include:
- Licking one paw specifically
- A small inflamed wound
- Swelling of the affected area
- Shaking their head or ears
Usually, if treated quickly, grass seeds are relatively uncomplicated. Often, medications are required to treat the infection and aid in pain management. If you do notice any of these signs, please book in a consult. If left untreated, grass seeds can migrate and cause many complications, which may need further specialist treatment, as well as added discomfort.
