Who would have thought that grass seeds could be dangerous for a dog! But it’s true. Grass seeds send more dogs than you’d think. But how do you know if your dog is having a problem with grass seeds?
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In this article, we’ll take a look at why & how grass seeds are dangerous, as well as what you need to do for your dog if he has this problem. Let’s get started!
The Danger of Grass Seeds for Dogs
When you take your dog out for a walk, probably the last thing you think about the dangers of grass seeds. After all, grass of all types grows everywhere, and why should seeds of grass be a problem for your dog? Well, there are several ways grass seeds can be dangerous for any dog.
The problem starts with the grass seed itself. Have you ever paid attention to a grass seed? Grass seed looks like a small, sharp dart. These small darts cling to the fur of a dog (or other animals). Plus, these sharp grass seeds can even become stuck in certain places, such as in the paws between the toes, in the ears, eyes, and more.
Grass seeds are so sharp that they’ve been known to work themselves into a dog’s skin. Once the seeds are lodged into the skin, they can cause infections, abscesses, and more.
The seeds can even be swallowed. If a dog eats grass seeds, they can be digested. However, at any time during the process, the sharp grass seed can pierce any part of the digestive tract. This can then cause the contents of the digestive tract to spread to other parts of the body, causing infection and more.
Symptoms Your Dog Has Swallowed Grass Seeds
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has swallowed grass seeds that have punctured his digestive tract:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Respiratory distress
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then it’s time to call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Swallowing Grass in Dogs
When you reach the vet, they will perform a physical exam of your dog, which may include lab work and imaging tests. An x-ray may not show the grass seeds in the digestive tract, but the vet will be able to check for perforations.
Treatment will first focus on stabilizing your fur baby. The vet may give him IV fluids, antibiotics, and other medications. Once your dog is stable, the vet will be able to do surgery to correct the perforation(s).
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical care. In these instances, most dogs can make a full recovery after surgery.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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