Gracie's Dog Walking Service issues grass seed warning

Grace Buttery, 28, of Gracie's Dog Walking Service in Norwich, posted a video on TikTok to raise awareness over the spikey foxtail grass which has seeds that can become embedded in dogs skin, ears and paws.

@graciesdogwalkingservice make sure you know what you’re looking for when walking your dogs! Could save a very expensive vet trip 🌾 #fyp #foryoupage #dogwalking #dogwalker #dogsoftiktok #dogwalkersoftiktok #graciesdogwalkingservice #grassseed #grassseeds ♬ original sound - Gracie’s Dog Walking Service

Ms Buttery said: "As a dog walker I know what I'm looking for, but I think a lot of people, such as new owners, might not.

Miss Buttery shows the type of grass seed that owners should avoid at all costs (Image: Gracie's Dog Walking Service) "I did the video to give people a visual of what they need to actually look out for. 

"I walk a lot of curly dogs and the grass seeds just cling onto that kind of fur so easily and can get stuck. 

"The shape of the seed means that it can burrow into the skin and result in a costly trip to the vet."

Pet insurance company Petplan say the telltale warning signs to watch out for after a walk are the sudden onset of head shaking and paw licking.

Gracie's Dog Walking Service is based in Norwich (Image: Gracie's Dog Walking Service) They added: "If your dog is pawing at their head and an ear, they might have grass seed lodged in their ear canal. 

"If your dog has grass seeds lodged in the skin between the toes, you may see a red raised ‘boil’ that the dog has been licking for a day or two."

Anyone who believes their dog may have an embedded grass seed should visit a vet as soon as possible, and the removal may need to be done under anaesthetic.

Gracie's Dog Walking Service is currently taking on new dogs and more information can be found at graciesdogwalkingservice.co.uk.