Is Grass Seed Bad for Dogs?

Grass seeds can be very bad for dogs because the seeds can get down inside the ear canals, up the nose, in the eye or under the eyelid. Other plants with seeds dangerous to dogs include burdock and foxtail.

Identification

• Tall grasses grow awns with seeds that resemble a sheaf of ripe wheat. However, the seed and fibers are like barbs that can easily fall into a dog's eyes, ears or nose when a dog moves through the tall grass.

Prevention/Solution

• Keeping grass mowed or restricting your dog's access to areas with tall grass will reduce the chances of grass seed getting embedded in the dog's eyes, nose or ears. Check the ears and brush any grass seeds off the dog's coat so they do not fall into the dog's face when it cleans itself.

Warning

• Symptoms of grass seed embedded in a dog's eyes, ears or nose include discharge from the infected orifice, pawing at the face, shaking the head more often than usual and swelling. The seeds must be removed by a veterinarian, or else infection may set in.