Grass Seeds and Pets: Small Seeds, Big Problems

Spring and early summer in South Australia mean warmer days, greener parks, and longer walks. Unfortunately, it’s also grass seed season — and these tiny barbed seeds can cause big trouble for our pets.

Grass seeds are designed to attach and travel, which means they can easily latch onto your pet’s fur or paws, working their way under the skin and even into ears, eyes, or noses. Left untreated, they can cause infections, abscesses, or serious discomfort.

While grass seeds are hard to avoid completely, these steps help reduce the risk:

• Keep your pet’s coat trimmed short, especially around paws, belly, and ears
• Brush your pet after walks to remove any debris
• Avoid walking through long, dry grass when possible
• Check your pet thoroughly after outdoor play or walks
• Keep lawns at home short and tidy

If your vet suspects a grass seed, they may need to:

• Examine the area closely and remove the seed using sterile instruments
• Sedate your pet for deeper or more painful removals
• Prescribe antibiotics if infection is present
• Schedule follow-up checks to ensure full healing

Early treatment is quick and effective — but left too long, a simple irritation can turn into an abscess or require surgery.

Grass seeds may be small, but they can cause big problems if ignored. Regular checks, good coat care, and early vet attention can help your pet enjoy the warmer months safely.