Grass seed season

As the grass gets drier, grass seed issues can become a problem for pets and owners alike. The good news is that grass seed lodgements are treatable and the earlier that you are able to treat it the better.

How to tell if my pet has a grass seed lodged?

Grass seed lodgement will appear differently depending on where it is lodged. However, if you are able to inspect your animal most days, just when you are giving them a pat, you will notice differences, as they begin to occur.

With most pet health problems a great deal of pain, suffering and treatment can be avoided if you are proactive about checking your pet. Speak with your veterinarian if you do notice changes in how they look, feel and behave.

What kind of problems can a grass seed cause?

Depending on where the grass seed has lodged the implications can differ. An untreated grass seed can cause a local infection, meaning if the grass seed is lodged in the eye an eye infection can result and in a worst case scenario the pet could lose their eye.

Grass seeds lodged in ears usually cause an ear infection, which can lead to a ruptured ear drum. Generally a lodged grass seed will cause an abscess that will need to be treated as soon as possible, to avoid an infection.

How will the grass seed lodgement be treated by our veterinarian?

The treatment for a lodged grass seed will differ depending on where it is lodged and what the impact has been. The veterinarian will need to ascertain what damage has occurred and if secondary concerns have arisen. The veterinarian will need to explore the abscess, locate the seed and then remove it. Most pets will need an anaesthetic for the procedure.

How can we avoid our pet’s getting a grass seed lodgement?

While the grass seed may seem like a harmless little thing, depending on where and how it lodges in your pet’s body it can cause some serious problems, not to mention pain! Lodged grass seeds are usually found in pet’s feet (between their toes), in their nostrils, in their ears and sometimes in their eyes.

Prevention is the only way, and even sometimes it can’t be avoided, so make sure you check your pet regularly. Also make sure you keep grassed areas safe for them by:

• If your pet has a long coat, consider having them shaved in summer or groom them daily to avoid seeds getting stuck in their fur.
• Check your pet’s toes regularly if not daily- as this is the most common location for seeds to be lost.
• Mow your own grass regularly and rake it to remove loose seeds.
• Avoid dry grass areas when you are out and about with your pet.

If you notice any issue with your pet’s health, any changes in the way they look, feel to touch and behave, speak with your veterinarian. Remember Petcover insured pets have options and freedom when it comes to veterinary care, speak with your veterinarian about alternative and surgical treatments, which may not possible for pet owners without pet insurance because of the cost.

This blog was written by the furry family at Petcover Pet Insurance Australia. We love pets and people who love pets!  We specialise in “covered for life” dog insurance, cat insurance and equine insurance.