Wagtail Dog Training

Grass awns and seeds can be dangerous to dogs in a number of ways. With their sharp, pointed ends they can easily penetrate eyes and ears, potentially causing pain and damage. They can also get trapped in the fur or lodged under the skin so it is recommended to check dogs from top to toe for lodged seeds or awns, after every walk. Sometimes if lodged under the skin they can travel in the dogs body and create further trauma and infection. This year 2023 the problem is especially bad due to No Mo May which although commendable and good for the environment and our planets protection it did give rise to the problems associated with long grass that have continued into the summer.

• Try to avoid walking your dog through long, dry seeded grasses or crops.
• Don’t pull anything out of the eye- you will almost certainly do more damage.
• Don’t give your pet any treats or a meal as may require an urgent anaesthetic.
• Do fit a buster collar if you have one or can borrow one, to prevent self-trauma.
• Do get to your vets asap.
• Do save any fragments of whatever went into the eye as it could be helpful to the vet to direct the pet’s treatment.