Dog owners are being cautioned to steer clear of fields for the next three weeks to prevent costly veterinary bills, potentially reaching £547. Recent reports have highlighted an alarming rise in grass seed-related injuries, with the average vet fees for such cases in 2023 amounting to £547.761. Over the past year, there has been a significant 100% increase in online searches by concerned pet owners seeking information about grass seed safety.
In response to this growing concern, Animal Friends Pet Insurance has teamed up with Dr. Samantha Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to shed light on the risks, symptoms, and treatments associated with grass seed injuries. The collaboration aims to provide dog owners with essential advice on how to protect their pets during this critical period.
Grass seeds, small and arrow-shaped, are commonly found on the tips of grass stems in gardens, parks, and fields during the spring and summer months. Their sharp, pointed structure allows them to easily cling to a dog’s fur, paws, and ears as they brush past, posing significant health risks.
Dr. Webster elaborates: “Grass seeds, due to their sharp and tiny nature, can penetrate a dog’s fur and pierce their skin, sometimes migrating to other parts of their body. This can lead to a range of health issues, including allergic reactions, infections, respiratory complications, digestive blockages, and even organ damage.” Dogs with long or thick coats, as well as those that enjoy romping through tall grass, are particularly vulnerable, although any dog can be affected. The symptoms of a grass seed injury vary depending on where the seed is lodged in the body.
Dog owners are advised to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect their pets from these potentially serious health hazards.
