As the warmer months roll in, so do the grass seeds—and unfortunately, they’re a common cause of veterinary emergencies. These small, sharp seeds have a remarkable ability to find their way into all sorts of places on your dog’s body: ears, eyes, paws, and even under the skin.

One of the most common scenarios we hear goes something like this: “My dog was running around in the paddock, and now they’re squinting or shaking their head constantly.” These cases are often caused by grass seeds lodged in the eye or ear—both of which are veterinary emergencies. A grass seed in the eye can cause painful corneal damage, and one on the ear drum can lead to significant discomfort or infection if not removed promptly.

Grass seeds in paws are particularly common. They often work their way between the toes, causing swelling, infection, and in many cases, abscesses. These typically appear as red, swollen areas, sometimes with pus draining from a small opening. Surgery is often required to drain the abscess and locate the seed. However, grass seeds are notoriously difficult to find—they can burrow deep and even migrate far from where they originally entered, sometimes travelling up the leg or even into the chest or abdomen. In more complex cases, they can form large abscesses that require advanced imaging (like a CT scan) to identify and treat.

To help prevent grass seed injuries, check your dog’s paws daily, especially between the toes, and keep the hair around their feet trimmed short if they have longer coats. If your dog is suddenly licking a paw, shaking their head, or squinting after time outdoors, it’s best to get them checked sooner rather than later.

Grass seeds may be small, but they can cause serious problems if left untreated. A quick check after each walk can go a long way in keeping your dog safe and comfortable this summer.