Grass Seed Infection in Dogs: Signs & Prevention

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 25 September 2026.

If your dog has been out exploring or spending time in areas where grass seeds may be present, it’s worth giving them a quick once-over afterwards. Grass seeds, and the dry, barbed casings around them called awns, can work their way into the skin, ears, eyes, nose, or mouth. Left there, they can cause irritation and inflammation and sometimes lead to infection or other complications that require vet attention.

Grass seeds might look harmless enough, but their barbed shape means they can work their way into the skin without easily finding their way back out. It’s a seasonal problem vets see often, particularly over spring and summer. Here’s what causes a grass seed problems in dogs, the signs to keep an eye out for, and how your vet can help if one gets stuck.

Table of contents

What are grass seed-related infection in dogs?
Why grass seeds can be harmful to dogs
Signs of grass seed-related problems in dogs
How is a grass seed injury or infection diagnosed?
Treatment for grass seed-related injuries and infections in dogs
Can grass seed infections be prevented?
When to see a vet
The role pet insurance can play in your dog’s care

What are grass seed infection in dogs?

Grass seeds develop a dry, barbed casing called an awn, especially as grasses mature and dry out over spring and summer. This barbed shape helps the seed attach to a dog’s fur or skin, and once attached, it can gradually work its way deeper and be difficult to dislodge.

When a grass seed or its awn works its way into the skin, or into an opening such as the ear, nose, eye, or mouth, it can cause irritation and inflammation and may lead to an infection or a painful, pus-filled swelling called an abscess. In some cases, the seed can travel further into the body.

Why grass seeds can be harmful to dogs

It’s the shape of a grass seed that makes it a problem. Once it’s under the skin or lodged in an ear or nostril, it can’t easily work its way back out on its own.

Grass seeds most often affect the ears and the webbing between the toes, although they can also become lodged in the eyes, nose, mouth, skin and, less commonly, migrate further into the body.

Cases also tend to be more common during summer, when grasses dry out and go to seed. That’s why it’s worth checking your dog for grass seeds after spending time in grassy areas, especially during the warmer months.

Signs of a grass seed infection in dogs

The signs of a grass seed infection can vary depending on where the seed has become lodged.

Common signs may include:

Limping, swelling between the toes, or constant licking or chewing at a paw
Head shaking, scratching at the ear, or holding the head at an angle
Redness, discharge, squinting, or excessive blinking in the eye
Sudden, repeated sneezing, sometimes with a bloody discharge
A swollen, weepy lump or wound that won’t heal, especially after spending time in areas where grass seeds may be present

Of course, these signs can have other causes too. So, if you notice any of them, it’s a good idea to speak with your vet.

How is a grass seed injury or infection diagnosed?

Your vet will usually start with a physical examination, checking the areas where a seed may have entered and looking for wounds, swelling, or discharge. If they can see the seed, they may be able to remove it during a routine consultation.

If the seed has migrated deeper, or it isn’t obvious where it entered, your vet may need to investigate further. This can include sedation for a closer look, or diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound to help locate the seed. Your vet can talk you through what’s involved based on your dog’s individual situation.

There’s no universal approach to treating a grass seed problem. What your dog needs will depend on where the seed is, how deep it has travelled, and whether an infection has set in.

Non-surgical removal

If a grass seed is visible and hasn’t travelled far, your vet may be able to remove it during a consultation, sometimes using sedation to help keep your dog comfortable and still.

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed to help manage any infection or discomfort.

Surgical removal

If a seed has migrated deeper into the tissue, surgery may be needed to find and remove it. Your vet can explain what’s involved and what recovery is likely to look like for your dog.

Can grass seed infections be prevented?

Grass seed problems can’t always be prevented, but there’s plenty you can do to help lower the risk, particularly during the warmer months when grasses go to seed.

Ways to help reduce the risk of grass seed-related problems include:

Avoiding areas where grass seeds may be present, particularly peak grass seed season
Checking your dog’s paws, ears, eyes, nose, and coat after every walk, especially after spending time in areas where grass seeds may be present
Where appropriate, keeping your dog’s coat trimmed, particularly around the paws and ears
Avoiding long, dry grass where possible, especially during peak grass seed season
Grooming your dog regularly to help remove any seeds before they take hold

When to see a vet

If you spot a grass seed sitting on your dog’s coat, you can usually remove it yourself. But if you notice signs of a possible grass seed-related problem, such as limping, swelling, discharge, or your dog pawing at their ear, eye, or nose, it’s best to see your vet as soon as possible. The earlier a grass seed is found and removed, the less chance it has to cause further complications.

The role pet insurance can play in your dog’s care

Treating a grass seed-related injury or infection can involve a vet consultation, medication and, depending on how deep the seed has travelled, sometimes sedation or surgery. Pet insurance can help cover some of these costs, so you can focus on your dog’s recovery rather than the bill.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise your dog’s cover, with annual cover options up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and a range of optional extras. Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts. So, while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also supporting animals in need across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure the cover suits your needs.

References

[1] Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The development of a systematic ultrasound protocol facilitates the visualization of foreign bodies within the canine distal limb. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1298072/full

[2] Direct Vet Services. The season of grass seeds and its impact on our dogs. Available from: https://directvetservices.com.au/2023/11/01/the-season-of-grass-seeds-and-its-impact-on-our-dogs/

[3] Sydney Animal Specialists Hospital. Grass Seeds in Dogs. Available from: https://sashvets.com/pet-advice/grass-seeds-in-dogs/

FAQs

Early signs that a grass seed may have become lodged can include limping, head shaking, pawing at the eyes or nose, or a swollen lump on the skin. A lodged grass seed can sometimes lead to infection. However, these signs can have other causes too, so if something doesn’t seem quite right with your dog, it’s best to see your vet.

Grass seeds commonly become lodged in a dog’s ears or between their toes. They can also find their way into the eyes, nose, mouth, or through the skin. Because grass seeds can be tricky to spot, it’s worth giving your dog a quick once-over after walks through grassy areas, especially during warmer months.

It depends on where the grass seed is and how far it’s travelled. If it’s relatively easy to reach, your vet may be able to remove it during a consultation, sometimes with sedation. Grass seeds can also work their way deeper into the body. If that happens, your dog may need further investigation, and in some cases surgery to locate and remove the seed.

Grass seed can’t always be prevented, but checking your dog’s paws, ears, eyes and coat after walks, grooming them regularly, and avoiding long, dry grass during warmer months can all help lower the risk.

Whether treatment for a grass seed injury or infection is covered, will depend on your pet insurance policy and your dog’s individual circumstances.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance you can get customisable cover for eligible injuries and illnesses, subject to the terms of your policy. Plus, every policy supports the RSPCA’s vital work caring for animals in need. So, while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also making a difference for others across Australia.

To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or get a commitment-free quote online today.

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.