![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/dog-owners-urged-to-check-for-grass-seeds-as-wounds-can-be-life-threatening/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_Dried-spike-of-mouse-barley-in-the-red-hair-of-a-long-haired-dog-Hordeum-murinum-spikelets-can-get.jpg&description=A vet has urged dog owners to be vigilant when they go out for walks this summer, as grass seeds may look harmless, but they can actually cause a serious amount of damage It's summertime, which means many dog owners will be taking their beloved pets on many nature walks in the sunshine - or rain. But when it comes to nature walks, it's not all fun and games. Vets are now warning against the dangerous 'foxtail grass seeds', which have spiky hairs that can "pierce or scratch" dogs' skin. Urging dog owners to be vigilant, Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, explained: "Foxtail come from a small type of grass that grow in open spaces across the UK. The seeds are long grass stalks with tube-like spikey heads, which look somewhat like a fox tail. They can grow up to a metre in height, and tend to be found in meadows, as well as paths, and boggy areas, meaning they can be a danger to your dog whenever you are out and about exploring this summer." It's extremely important to be careful when out on walks, because the "long stalks of grass may not look like a threat to our canines" however "its spiky hairs that sit at the top of seems are actually incredibly sharp meaning that if your dog comes into contact with it, it can pierce or scratch their skin or become embedded in their paws". Sean added: "This includes getting lodged between their claws, toes or between their paw pad and skin, which can be really painful for your furry friend." Another risk is the grass seeds "getting lodged in your dog's ear canals". He added: "Some breeds may be at more of a risk for this than others such as those with drooping ears because the type of fur on their ears tends to catch foxtail grass seed more easily." Your dog is also at risk of inhaling the foxtail grass seeds while sniffing around during a walk. Sean added: "While it might not be poisonous to your dog directly it doesn't mean it isn't deadly to your pet, in fact, the seeds don't break down inside your dog's body well and may l){kind=link}
A vet has urged dog owners to be vigilant when they go out for walks this summer, as grass seeds may look harmless, but they can actually cause a serious amount of damage
It’s summertime, which means many dog owners will be taking their beloved pets on many nature walks in the sunshine – or rain. But when it comes to nature walks, it’s not all fun and games. Vets are now warning against the dangerous ‘foxtail grass seeds’, which have spiky hairs that can “pierce or scratch” dogs’ skin.
Urging dog owners to be vigilant, Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, explained: “Foxtail come from a small type of grass that grow in open spaces across the UK. The seeds are long grass stalks with tube-like spikey heads, which look somewhat like a fox tail. They can grow up to a metre in height, and tend to be found in meadows, as well as paths, and boggy areas, meaning they can be a danger to your dog whenever you are out and about exploring this summer.”
It’s extremely important to be careful when out on walks, because the “long stalks of grass may not look like a threat to our canines” however “its spiky hairs that sit at the top of seems are actually incredibly sharp meaning that if your dog comes into contact with it, it can pierce or scratch their skin or become embedded in their paws”. Sean added: “This includes getting lodged between their claws, toes or between their paw pad and skin, which can be really painful for your furry friend.”
Another risk is the grass seeds “getting lodged in your dog’s ear canals”. He added: “Some breeds may be at more of a risk for this than others such as those with drooping ears because the type of fur on their ears tends to catch foxtail grass seed more easily.”