10 Common Grass Seeds That Could Cripple Your Dog—Are They in Your Yard?
When dogs show unusual symptoms, it’s easy for pet owners to jump to conclusions. A persistent cough might suggest a respiratory issue, red skin could be blamed on an insect bite, and sudden limping often leads us to assume a minor injury during play.
However, the real cause of a dog’s discomfort can sometimes be far less obvious. Dr. Hunter Finn, a veterinarian at Pet Method Animal Hospital, recently surprised dog owners with an unexpected diagnosis in a limping dog. Thanks to his keen observation, the dog’s owner avoided a $200 vet bill—highlighting the importance of looking beyond the obvious . Is grass seed safe for dogs? (Scroll down to find the grass that is safe and unsafe for your dog)
The Grass Seed Discovery….
In a TikTok video uploaded to his account @dr.hunterfinn,, Dr Finn shared that his dog patient had a grass seed lodged in their paw, which was making them limp. Text layered over the seconds-long clip reads: “When the limping dog comes in, and you save them $200 by finding the grass seed stuck in the paw instead of jumping straight to x-rays.”
Watch the video below:
@dr.hunterfinn Sometimes it is that simple! #drfinn #petmethod #mckinneytx #friscotx #petmethodveterinary #tiktokvet ♬ original sound – Kyle Hunter
Safe to say, if your dog is suddenly limping after a day of fun in a grassy area, chances are, the culprit may be the tiny-but-mighty seed: grass seed.
Is Grass Seed Toxic to Dogs?
The short answer is yes, grass seed is toxic to dogs. Though they look small and harmless, research shows grass seeds — or grass awns, as they’re sometimes called — are capable of causing a heap of health implications to a dog. These seeds — usually from foxtail-type grass species — are more prevalent in woodlands and meadows, particularly during the summer months.
Grass seed injuries in dogs tend to rise during late spring and summer because, by this time, the seeds in the grass have dried up and can, therefore, easily detach from the main grass.
Since grass seeds have barbed, pointy edges, they’re able to quickly attach themselves to your dog’s coat and cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
While all dogs can be affected by grass seeds, fluffy and long-haired dogs are at an increased risk of potentially fatal grass seed injury. This is because a lot of grass seeds can remain trapped in their abundant hair and go unnoticed for a prolonged period.
Because grass seeds are sharp, they can easily penetrate a dog’s skin, causing painful inflammation and even abscess.
If these seeds are not removed sooner, they’ll burrow deep into your dog’s body and continue piercing soft tissues. For instance, grass seed in a dog’s paw can travel to the knees and cause severe tissue damage. Plus, once inside your dog’s body, these tiny brutes can travel into sensitive organs such as the lungs and spinal cord and wreak havoc.
So, if you’ve ever wondered: “Is grass seed safe for dogs?” the answer is a resounding no, particularly if the seeds are from foxtail grass species.
Signs of Grass Seed Injury in Dogs
Grass seeds can get stuck on any part of your dog’s body. However, the most common areas where these seeds lodge themselves are on the paws (including between the toes), ears (while here, they can travel down your dog’s ear canal and cause serious ear infections), nose (these seeds can travel down your dog’s nasal cavity), mouth, and eyes (especially around the eyelids).
If your dog has grass seed stuck somewhere on their body, the symptoms they’ll exhibit will depend on where the seed is. Common signs of grass seeds in dogs include:
- Limping
- Constant shaking of the head
- Bending their head to the side
- Reluctance to walk
- Lethargy
- Excessive licking and chewing of paws
- Frequent sneezing and bloody nasal discharge
- Skin abscess
- Redness and swelling in the affected area
- Constantly pawing at their ear or eye
- Trying to rub their ear against a hard surface
In a threaded Reddit discussion months ago on grass seeds in dogs, a dog owner shared: “Just took [my] little man to the vets today, he had a bit of a cyst coming on his foot. I noticed it late Monday night, coned him and managed to get an appointment for this morning. I honestly thought he had just been stung by a bee or something or maybe cut it on something, but no…..apparently it’s a grass seed [that] worked its way in there, and is currently making its way up his paw, so he’s got to have surgery now today to remove it.”
Another person wrote: “Yeah, grass seeds are no joke. I ran into a lady at the park who I hadn’t seen in a while — and it’s because her French Bulldog had to have her eye removed because of a grass seed.”
Treatment of Grass Seed Injury in Dogs
When it comes to grass seeds, dogs that get them removed sooner are more likely not to develop potentially fatal health complications. This is why it’s advisable to contact your vet as soon as you notice anything unusual in your dog, particularly after a walk in a grassy area.
In cases where the seed hasn’t penetrated a dog’s skin, the vet will likely retrieve it manually (with a specialized tool) and administer antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually, grass seed removal in dogs will call for sedation because of how painful it is.
If the grass seed has burrowed deep into your dog’s body, they’ll need to undergo surgery.
What are we trying to say? The cost of removing grass seed in dogs depends on the extent of the injury. So, if you’ve ever had thoughts revolving around “Grass seed in dog paw removal cost,” “grass seed dog abscess treatment cost”, “dog paw grass seed removal”, “dog grass seed ear removal,” and “dog ate grass seed treatment,” just know, the removal & treatment cost will all depend on the severity of the grass seed injury.
In a threaded Reddit discussion cautioning dog owners on the dangers of grass seeds, one dog owner wrote: “I just moved here and had no idea what foxtail/grass seeds were or that it was something to look out for. My dog developed an abscess/wound on her foot, and thankfully, the vet was able to sedate her and find it/repair it.”
Another dog owner revealed: “We lost a dog to this when I was a kid. It got down in her ear canal, and the vets were unable to get it out. She was a Cocker Spaniel with big floppy ears, and it still managed to get in her ear canal, so don’t underestimate just how bad this stuff is.”
7 Top Tips to Protect Your Dog From Grass Seed Injury
Fortunately, there are simple but super-effective measures you can take to protect your dog from the damaging effects of grass seeds. This is especially true if your pup loves spending time outdoors during late spring and summer. Here are seven helpful tips to prevent grass seeds from becoming a problem for your dog:
- Keep the hair on their paws, ears, and eyes trimmed so you can easily spot any hidden grass seeds.
- Try as much as you can to avoid long grass, especially during the summer months.
- Always inspect your dog after a walk in areas with long grass. Be sure to thoroughly inspect their whole body, paying close attention to their ears (be extra keen if they have floppy ears), eyes, armpits, nose, paws, mouth, and between their paws.
- If you have a long-haired dog, ensure you comb through their hair with a fine-toothed comb after a walk in grass-filled areas.
- If you attempt to remove a grass seed from your dog, and it doesn’t come out as a whole, make sure you see the vet so they can remove the remaining part of the lodged seed.
- Consider getting your dog protective paw wear, like dog boots, to reduce the risk of grass seeds getting on their paws while they’re outdoors.
- Ensure your lawn has dog-safe grass seeds and be consistent with lawn care. One of the best grass seeds for dogs includes cool-season grass like the perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass.
- If you suspect your dog ate grass seed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
FAQs About Grass Seed and Dogs
Is grass seed safe for dogs?
Most grass seeds are safe for dogs, but some coated grass seeds may contain chemicals that can be toxic. Always check the label for pet-safe options.
What is the best grass seed for dogs?
Perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue are popular choices for dog-friendly lawns due to their durability and drought tolerance.
Can grass seeds harm dogs?
Yes, grass seeds can penetrate the skin, especially around the paws, ears, and nose, leading to infections or other complications.
How do I remove grass seeds from my dog’s paws?
Carefully check your dog’s paws after outdoor play. If you find a grass seed, use tweezers to gently remove it. For embedded seeds, consult a veterinarian.
Are coated grass seeds toxic to dogs?
Some coated grass seeds contain fertilizers or pesticides that may be harmful if ingested. Opt for pet-safe, untreated grass seeds for your lawn.
What are signs of grass seeds affecting my dog?
Symptoms include limping, swelling, excessive licking of the affected area, head shaking (for ear involvement), or a sudden onset of discomfort.
Can grass seed get stuck in my dog’s ear canals?
Yes, grass seeds can lodge in ear canals, especially in long-haired dogs. Regular grooming and inspection can help prevent this.
What are the risks of grass seeds for dogs?
Grass seeds can puncture the skin, enter the body, and cause infections or abscesses. In severe cases, they may require surgical removal.
How do I choose dog-friendly grass seed?
Look for grass varieties that are resilient to foot traffic, such as warm-season grasses, and ensure they are labeled as safe for pets.
Is grass seed good for dogs?
While grass seed itself is not harmful when used properly, allowing dogs to run on freshly seeded lawns helps establish strong, durable grass that supports their playtime.
What are the grass seeds that are safe for dogs?
Perennial Ryegrass
Durable and resistant to foot traffic.
Safe and ideal for high-activity areas.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Soft texture and non-toxic to dogs.
Great for cool-season climates.
Tall Fescue
Resistant to drought and heavy use.
Pet-safe and long-lasting.
Bermudagrass
Hardy, warm-season grass.
Safe for dogs and tolerant of play.
Zoysia Grass
Dense and durable, excellent for dog-friendly lawns.
Non-toxic and safe for pets.
Buffalo Grass
Native and eco-friendly, safe for dogs.
Suitable for drought-prone areas.
Clover
Not a traditional grass but often mixed in for pet-safe lawns.
Gentle on paws and resilient to wear.
Fine Fescue
Soft, safe, and ideal for low-maintenance lawns.
Resistant to wear and tear.
What are the grass seeds that are unsafe for dogs?
Coated Grass Seeds
May contain fertilizers, pesticides, or growth inhibitors harmful to pets.
Grass Seeds Treated with Herbicides
Chemicals can be toxic if ingested or come into contact with a dog’s skin.
Annual Ryegrass (Treated)
Often treated with coatings that may not be safe for pets.
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)
Naturally harmful due to its sharp seeds that can penetrate a dog’s skin or paws.
Foxtail Grass
Dangerous due to barbed seeds that can embed in paws, ears, or other parts of a dog’s body.
Wheatgrass (Wild Varieties)
Sharp seeds from certain wild species can injure dogs.
Pasture Grass Seeds
Some pasture grasses are treated with toxic chemicals for livestock, making them unsafe for dogs.
Ornamental Grass Seeds
Some decorative varieties have sharp or barbed seeds that can harm dogs.
Poisonous Lawn Seed Mixes
May contain non-grass fillers or additives harmful to pets.
Grass Seed with Fungicides
