Latest news with #grassseeds
BreakingNews.ie
8 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
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Dog owners warned not to let pooches near garden essential this summer – not avoiding it could lead to infection
OUR four-legged friends could be in danger over the summer months. Vets have urged dog owners to beware of a harmful garden enhancer that can cause serious issues for our beloved furry sidekicks. 2 Professionals have warned over the dangers of simple grass seeds causing major health implications for dogs who are at risk of getting the dangerous seeds wedged in their fur. A poorly pooch was rushed into surgery last year in Norwich after inhaling a grass seed which caused a punctured lung. The seeds can get stuck in ears, paws, armpits, chests and even eyes. Symptoms to look out for include excessive head shaking, paw licking, swollen paws, holding its head to one side or lameness. The PDSA has advised: 'If your dog likes to run around in long grass, it's important to always check them for grass seeds afterwards. "You'll need to remove any that you find and if you find one stuck, or a wound/swelling that looks like it could contain one, you'll need to take your pooch to the vet. 'If not removed quickly, grass seeds enter the body and start causing problems such as infections and abscesses.' Look out for painful, weeping eyes or excessively licking or nibbling paws, limping or constant sneezing. Bloody discharge from the nostrils might be the sign of grass seed stuck up its nose. It is likely to cause symptoms such as non-healing wounds, low energy and a constant high temperature. I tried 'magic' Lidl garden hose - you need to get it, it's perfect for summer But it's not just in your own back garden that you need to be cautious. The animal professionals continued: 'Prevention is always better than cure. Always check your dog for grass seeds after walks in long grass. 'And try to prevent your dog from running around in long grass, sticking to paths instead.' It comes as June is a great time to be sowing grass seed. With the weather currently wet and warm, it's optimal conditions for germination. But should the weather get any hotter and drier, you should avoid sowing in the middle of summer. How to sow lawn seed 2 Rake the lawn and soil so it is level and smooth. Sow seeds evenly. Keep lawn moist with occasional watering. Withing 10 days, the grass should have established roots. During this time you can protect the seeds with straw to keep pests and birds at bay.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dogs in danger as grass seed season approaches
As grass seed season approaches, vets are warning dog owners to be aware of the pointy seeds. Over the next three months, pooches are at risk of getting the dangerous seeds wedged in their fur. The seeds are commonly found in ears, paws, armpits, chest and sometimes eyes. Dogs with longer or curlier coats should be trimmed (Image: Denise Bradley) Last year, a dog in Norwich was rushed into surgery after inhaling a grass seed that punctured her lung. Dr Rosemary Smith, who runs a mobile veterinary service named Paws Indoors across Norwich and South Norfolk, has advised dog owners of what to be aware of. "The ends are very sharp and can pierce the skin," she said. "The long strong hairs that are rough and ratcheted force the seed forward." Symptoms include head shaking, licking at a paw, swollen paws or lameness. READ MORE: "The shaking is usually troublesome to the dog as the seed is quickly shaken to the bottom of the ear, out of sight, where it irritates the delicate eardrum," she added. To help prevent the seeds from causing serious issues, dogs with longer or curlier coats should be trimmed and owners need to inspect their furry friend after each walk. Although seeds can be removed at home if they are loose and easily picked out, Dr Smith advises seeking veterinary attention if "your dog suddenly and persistently shakes its head, or is persistently licking its paws". In the more severe cases, where a seed may have broken off, exploratory surgery may be required.
