Beware of Grass Seeds!
Whilst a grass seed may not seem much, they can cause severe problems. With their pointed shape they can quickly penetrate and burrow deep into the eyes, ears, toes gums and other places without being noticed. If not removed a grass seed could travel a few inches and even possibly reach your dog’s internal organs.
Be vigilant with your dog whilst out walking, particularly if you are walking near or through long grass. When you return home it is essential to thoroughly check your dog for any grass seed. Carefully groom him thoroughly, inspecting his coat and removing any seeds you may find. Be extra careful if your dog has long hair or a lot of coat – parting the coat to ensure that no seeds have already started burrowing. Then check between his toes, in his ears and “armpits”. Tweezers can help in removing any seeds that you may find. If you find one that you cannot remove, visit your veterinarian straight away, before it burrows deeper.
Signs to look out for
The dog may become lame, or shake his head, he may start to sneeze or cough. His eyes may become red and inflamed. There may be just a small swelling, perhaps under the armpit, or you might just notice that his hair is very matted. Sometimes they get into the skin and work their way to another exit point and form an abscess. Yes, these seeds can get everywhere.
If you think your dog is showing any of the above symptoms, inspect him very carefully for any signs of a grass seed. If you find a seed be careful when you try to remove it as the spikes can be left behind if you pull them out.
It is always best to consult your vet if you think your dog is having a problem due to grass seeds.
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Beware of Grass Seeds! was published by The Dog Scene on 07 Aug, 2007. © All rights reserved. You may download and print this article for personal or non-profit use only. Please feel free to link to this article.
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07 Aug, 2007 (Edited 07 Aug, 2007)
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