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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Major warning to ALL dog owners over seasonal hazard that can cause injury, swelling or sore spots
DOG owners have been given a major health warning for their animals over a seasonal illness. A leading Irish Advertisement 5 Pet owners have been given a major warning Credit: Getty 5 Dogs of any age or breed can be affected Credit: Getty Irish Blue Cross have said that grass seeds are one of the most common health issues among And they're more of a risk during this time of the year, firstly because there is a higher pollen count and more grass growing. And secondly, because more people are tempted to bring their dogs further afield and into the countryside when the Pet owners out walking their dog can easily miss a grass seed become stuck in their pet's fur. Advertisement READ MORE IN Fabulous But the hard to detect seeds can cause major health issues for animals. And they can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size. Main concerns about grass seeds is that they can pierce a dog's skin and cause serious discomfort. And there are some signs to watch out for which could indicate that your pet has been irritated by a grass seed. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Exclusive Exclusive If there is a grass seed stuck in their paw, a dog might limp, lick continuously at the area, or you might notice swelling between the toes. If the same issue occurs in a dog's ear, they might scratch their ear, shake their head a lot, or you might notice redness on the area. Drivers face new $250 fines for driving with pet in car – it's all down to where your furry friend sits in vehicle And if a grass seed is stuck in a dog's nose, they might sneeze continuously to try and get it out. Early detection is essential when dealing with a grass seed related issue as it can stop a minor injury turning into a major Advertisement Dog owners have been urged to check their pet's feet, fur, and ears after walking through areas with long grass. Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, Dr Sophie Olah, explained: 'Grass seeds can easily attach to dogs' fur during walks, especially in long grass. "Once embedded, the seeds can pierce the skin, causing intense discomfort. "Any dog can be affected by grass seeds when walking through long grass, so it's important to check your dog's feet, ears, and coat after walking in areas with long grass.' Advertisement Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, Dr Ciara Sweeney, said: 'Early detection can prevent a minor irritation from becoming a serious veterinary issue. "If your dog has a grass seed stuck in their paw, they could lick vigorously at their paw, you might spot a swelling between their toes, or they may limp. "If one has gotten into their ear or eyes, they may shake their head, paw at their ear or eye, or you might notice redness, swelling or discharge from their eye. "They can often sneeze violently to try and dislodge a seed if one has entered their nose, and if a seed enters under their skin, they may chew or lick at the sore spot.' Advertisement 5 Grass seeds can cause dogs pain and discomfort Credit: Getty 5 Catching the issue early is important in preventing a major issue Credit: Getty 5 Grass seeds are a more common issue in the summer Credit: Getty
BreakingNews.ie
14 hours ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Dog owners warned about grass seed injuries
Animal Welfare charity The Irish Blue Cross is alerting dog owners to the "serious seasonal hazard" of grass seeds. Found in meadows and woodland areas during the summer months, the seemingly harmless, tiny pointy seeds, can cause painful and potentially dangerous injuries to dogs. Advertisement Dr Sophie Olah, head of veterinary services at The Irish Blue Cross, explained: 'Grass seeds can easily attach to dogs' fur during walks, especially in long grass. Once embedded, the seeds can pierce the skin, causing intense discomfort. "Any dog can be affected by grass seeds when walking through long grass, so it's important to check your dog's feet, ears, and coat after walking in areas with long grass.' Dr Ciara Sweeney, veterinary surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, added: 'Early detection can prevent a minor irritation from becoming a serious veterinary issue. The Irish Blue Cross is alerting dog owners to the serious seasonal hazard of grass seeds. "If your dog has a grass seed stuck in their paw, they could lick vigorously at their paw, you might spot a swelling between their toes, or they may limp. If one has gotten into their ear or eyes, they may shake their head, paw at their ear or eye, or you might notice redness, swelling or discharge from their eye. Advertisement "They can often sneeze violently to try and dislodge a seed if one has entered their nose, and if a seed enters under their skin, they may chew or lick at the sore spot.' The Irish Blue Cross advises dog owners who spot a grass seed in their dog's fur, that has not yet pierced the skin, to remove it immediately to prevent injury. For owners who suspect their dog has a grass seed injury, the charity advises they immediately contact their vet. For more information or to support the charity's vital veterinary work, visit
Dublin Live
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Dublin Live
Urgent heatwave warning to Irish cat and dog owners as temperatures soar
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Pet owners in Ireland have given an urgent heatwave warning to protect their furry friends from the scorching sun. The Irish Blue Cross sounded the alarm on Tuesday, urging cat and dog lovers to take extra care as temperatures soar across the country. With a sizzling spell on the horizon, the charity is stressing the importance of keeping pets cool and comfortable, especially during exercise. Dogs are at particular risk, and the Irish Blue Cross has highlighted that certain breeds, those with thick coats, older pooches, and flat-faced canines might struggle more in the heat. Hot pavements can be a real danger to dogs' sensitive paws, so if it's too hot for your hand, it's definitely too hot for their pads, reports the Irish Mirror. Dr Sophie Olah, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, has issued a plea to dog owners: "avoid exercising dogs on hot days". "Thankfully most people are aware that pets should never be left in cars in hot weather, however, many pet owners are still unaware of the risks of walking their dog in the heat," explained Dr. Olah. "Unless it's cool enough to take them out early in the morning, please avoid exercising dogs on hot days. Instead, keep them indoors, in the shade with access to plenty of cool water. "If your pet is older, overweight, or flat-faced, take extra care, as it may still be too warm early morning or late evening to take them out without risking heat stroke. In fact, it doesn't need to be that hot for flat-faced pets to get heat stroke, so keep an extra special eye on them," she added. While exercise is crucial for dogs, The Irish Blue Cross emphasises that in extreme heat, it's not necessary and all dogs should stay indoors, in the shade during such sweltering conditions. Dr Ciara Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, warns: "Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can be life threatening. Signs of heat stroke include, restlessness, excessive panting, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing, drooling, change in gum colour from pink to dark red, pale, purple or blue. "Pets may also be drowsy or uncoordinated and may collapse or vomit in severe cases. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool place, preferably with a draught and keep them still and calm. Wet their chest and stomach areas, where they have less hair, with cool water and contact your vet immediately." For more tips on keeping your furry friend cool, check out Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
