How do I know if my dog has a grass seed stuck in their paw?

Obsessive licking of one paw is the classic sign — not casual grooming, but focused, can't-stop licking. Your dog might also limp, hold the paw up, or suddenly refuse to walk on certain surfaces.

Can I remove a grass seed from my dog myself?

If the seed is still visible in the fur, you can pluck it out yourself, making sure you get the whole thing. But if it's penetrated the skin, burrowed into an ear, or lodged in an eye or nose, that's a job for the vet — don't attempt it with tweezers as you'll likely push it deeper.

When are grass seeds most dangerous for dogs?

Late spring through summer is grass seed season, particularly in dry, overgrown areas, along field edges, and anywhere that hasn't been mowed recently. These are unfortunately exactly the places dogs find most interesting.

Dogs on the Hills

Why your dog won't stop licking its paw after a summer walk

Those innocent-looking pointy grass seeds have a knack for working their way into paws, ears, eyes and noses during summer walks. If your dog starts obsessively licking a paw, limping, shaking its head, sneezing violently or pawing at its eye, a grass seed lodged somewhere it shouldn't be is one possible culprit.

12 October 20267 min read