As a pet owner, planting seeds on a lawn, or dealing with a house with a lawn can be a challenge. What’s more important is the grass the pet owner chooses. If dogs eat grass seeds, other problems can develop that can harm their health. This article will help you find out if grass seeds are safe for dogs.
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What Is Grass Seed?
Grass seeds are one to two centimeters long. Their color is green. Grass seeds have sharp edges. The sharp nodes at the ends of grass seeds are a big threat to dogs. If grass seeds penetrate a dog’s paw, the pain can be fatal. It is difficult to find grass seeds 1-2cm long in the furry body of the dog. The examination may take time and the dog may suffer severe pain.
Are Grass Seeds Dangerous For Dogs?
The short answer is “yes, they can”, but we’ve rounded up what you need to know at All Bives Healthcare in Norwich. Then you can run out into the sun and let your puppy know what to look out for if a grass seed tries to ruin your day.
What Problems Can Grass Seeds Cause?
There are two main hazards of grass seeds to dogs. It can be the consumption of grass seeds or the penetration of grass seeds into any part of the dog’s body. In both cases, the damage is severe and the dog can develop serious illness.
These days, many people prefer fast-growing seeds so that their lawns appear noticeable in a short amount of time. In this rush, they usually prefer GMO-based grass seeds. The seeds are coated with pest control ingredients. Manufacturing is synthetic, not organic. These grass seeds grow quickly but are harmful to dogs.
- Edible: If a dog accidentally consumes these grass seeds, the chemicals in the seeds can be harmful. Dogs can get sick. Chemicals can cause allergies and infectious diseases. The sharp nodes at the ends of grass seeds can also damage the lining of the dog’s body.
- Penetration: Grass seeds can penetrate a dog’s skin and paws as they roam around. Dogs love to dig. This digging habit may also be responsible for the infusion of grass seeds. In this case, the dog may suffer severe pain. Just in case your dog is furry, it will spend a lot of time figuring out where the injection point is in the body.
With both of these reasons in mind, it’s best to avoid accidents. Therefore, pet owners should prefer non-GMO and organic seeds over synthetic seeds. However, some organic grass seeds can also be sharp. In this case, soft lawn grass is preferred. While planting, you can also pay special attention to your dog.
Common Symptoms To Look Out For
Usually, when there is a grass seed in the paw, the owner notices painful swelling between the toes.
- Paws
Dogs with seeds in their paws may also lick them constantly and forcefully and then limp. If your dog has one or more seeds in his ears, he may suddenly shake his head and claw at his ears after a walk. A sudden, violent sneeze could mean a seed in the nose.
If grass seeds are buried in the feet, you will often see signs of lameness or discomfort when your pet walks. They may lick their feet excessively, and if you try to look at the area, they may show signs of pain. If you examine the area yourself, you may see redness and inflammation.
If the grass seed is not visible, you may see a hole in your pet’s skin that has penetrated and entered the foot. There may also be some discharge in this area. Take your pet to the veterinarian if you see these signs, as it’s amazing how far these seeds can fly up your legs, and it’s unlikely you’ll do anything to remove them yourself.
- Ear
Dogs with grass seeds in their ears will feel uncomfortable and will shake their heads and scratch their ears. The seeds can irritate the ear canal and, if present for a while, can lead to ear infections. If the ear has a secondary infection, you may see some discharge or notice an unpleasant odor. Your veterinarian can usually remove grass seeds from the ear easily. Still, if it’s really painful, sedation or general anesthesia may be needed.
- Eye
Grass seeds can seriously damage the eyes. Seeds getting stuck in the eye can be very painful and often lead to corneal ulcers. If the grass seeds penetrate too deeply or cause deep corneal ulcers, eventually your pet may lose its eyes. If you think your pet has grass seeds in the eyes, seek immediate veterinary attention.
- Mouth and nose
If grass seeds get stuck in your mouth or nose, you may notice excessive salivation, licking, or sneezing. You may also start to notice an unpleasant odor, discharge from the nose, or bloody saliva. Grass seeds that manage to get into the lungs are a serious and potentially life-threatening problem. So be sure to seek emergency care.
- Skin
In some cases, grass seeds can be seen on the outer surface of the dog’s body. You may also notice redness or swelling in the area where the grass seed has penetrated. This can lead to surgery to remove the seeds. Your dog can also get ulcers from grass seeds.
How To Prevent Dogs From The Dangers Of Grass Seeds?
Of course, prevention is preferable to cure, and there are a few different ways to reduce the risk of grass seeds this summer:
- Avoid areas with long grass – taking a walk where the grass is cut short can reduce the risk of grass seeds – including in your own garden.
- Regular grooming and excessive trimming – grooming your dog may catch any seeds before they cause damage, and occasional trimming of excess hair around paws, ears, and armpits can prevent seeds from locking up in the first place.
- Check After Walking – Check their fur and body thoroughly after walking to make sure there are no grass seeds and keep the above symptoms in mind – especially any redness.
How to Find A Pet-friendly Grass Seed?
Growing pet-friendly grass seeds is always a wise decision. No one wants to see pets suffer. There are several types of grass on the market that serve this purpose.
Perennial ryegrass: If you want a quick fix for bare spots on your lawn, perennial ryegrass is the best option. Grass grows fast. Dogs often dig lawns, leaving bare spots. You can quickly fix problems without putting your pet in any danger. This grass is very soft. When sowing grass seeds at any time, keep pets away to avoid any accidents.
Centipede Grass: This grass is perfect for warmer locations. The best quality of this game is its self-healing ability. Even if your dog leaves any bare spots during digging, the grass will grow back quickly. Not only does this save money, but the grass is also great for mild winters.
Conclusion
Pets are many furry friends of humans, and dogs are one of the most common pests. Pet owners enjoy time with their dogs, but at the same time, they must be extra vigilant about their dog choices. One of them is grass seeds. Harmful grass seed can cause serious illness, allergies, and infections if ingested or penetrated into a dog’s body. In some cases, the results can be fatal. Grass seeds are sharp and pointy. Whenever you make a choice, choose pet-friendly grass seeds like centipede grass and perennial ryegrass. You can also seek professional help in choosing the most suitable grass seeds for your pet.