Health

Summer is here, and along with it comes the dreaded grass seed problems. Grass seeds come in various forms, but all have their damaging effects and should be taken seriously. Their bristly arrow-like fibres allow them to cling with ease onto your dog's hair, while the pointed shape makes it easy for them to dive deeper and deeper, eventually reaching and then penetrating the skin. Such examples of grass seeds include burdock, foxtail, speargrasses, buzzard grasses, and feathergrasses.

When a seed comes in contact with an animal's skin or other body part, it penetrates the soft skin. A small swelling may result. If the awn or seed is not removed immediately, it may actually start to burrow in. Some can travel many inches reaching the animal's internal organs. Your dog will react differently according to where the seed attaches itself to the body:

• Hair: If large seeds are in the hair behind the ears of a dog, there may be no sign of a problem other than matted hair.
• Ear: A seed in the ear canal may cause the pet to shake his head, scratch at the ear, rub his ear on the floor, or hold his head at a slightly tilted angle.
• Eye: A seed between the eye and the eyelid may cause the eye to become red and inflamed, sometimes with discharge or tears. An ulcer of the cornea could result and possibly lead to vision loss.
• Nose: A seed in the nose may cause the animal to sneeze, paw at the nose, and may result in some nasal discharge.
• Skin: A dog may chew at an area where seeds have become attached causing swelling, abscesses, or open draining sores.
• Lungs and other organs: Seeds and awns can be accidentally inhaled or migrate from the skin into the chest and enter the lung where they can cause very serious life-threatening abscesses. They can also penetrate into the abdominal organs. Seeds may also migrate to areas near the spine, where they can cause considerable damage. When internal organs or the spine are affected, a dog may become very ill, not eat, and develop a fever.

Dogs with long hair will be more susceptible for picking up grass seeds. Help protect your dog by cutting their hair, particularly around the toes, feet, arm-pits and ears. Carry out regular daily checks, particularly after a walk. Brush out any grass seeds or use tweezers if the seed is close to the skin. If you cannot remove the seed, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as it will only become more deeply buried and harder to take out.

Extra care is always better than potential veterinary bills, above all else, your dog will love all the extra grooming!