Attack of the grass seeds:
Pet parents warned as claims surge
Tiny but mighty, grass seeds are wreaking havoc on pets nationwide, driving a wave of vet visits and unexpected costs. Looking into its claims data, pet insurance specialist PD Insurance is sounding the alarm after logging more than 50 grass seed-related claims in January alone – and the numbers are climbing.
“Dogs are bearing the brunt of this prickly problem, racking up more claims than cats due to their outdoor antics,” says Michelle Le Long, COO of PD Insurance. “But don’t be fooled – cats aren’t immune. These seeds can burrow into fur, skin, even ears and eyes, sparking pain and serious complications if ignored.”
The 2025 grass seed report: By the numbers
PD Insurance’s latest data paints a clear picture, with dogs dominating the stats among those 53 claims. Breeds affected included Cocker Spaniels, Cavoodles, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels and Jack Russell Terrier Crosses. High-claim breeds like French Bulldogs and Labradors are also vulnerable, says Le Long. “If there’s a common denominator for these breeds, it is their long coats and rambunctious natures,” she opines. “But of course any breed enjoying the great outdoors can encounter the risk of a grass seed getting stuck – and causing potential injury.”
A small problem – with potentially big bills
Innocuous, sure. Consequence-free, far from it. Grass seeds, especially those with sharp, barbed ends (like foxtails), can attach to your pup’s fur and work into their skin. Common entry points include paws, ears, nose, eyes, or even the mouth. Once inside, grass seeds can migrate deeper, causing pain, swelling, and infection. For example, an undetected and untreated seed lodged between paw pads could lead to an abscess.
The tiny troublemakers don’t stop there, either. Inhaled through the nose or mouth, grass seeds can enter the respiratory tract, causing sneezing, coughing, and even more severe problems like pneumonia if the seed reaches the lungs.
Then there’s the ears and eyes; seeds in the ear can cause irritation, resulting in severe discomfort or infections like otitis externa. A grass seed near or in the eye can scratch the cornea, leading to ulcers, pain, and potential vision loss.
“When any of this happens, it can quickly go from discomfort to requiring veterinary treatment,” notes Le Long. “And that means it can quickly get expensive.”
Be on the alert
Appreciating the ‘seedy’ risk in your region is a first step, and Le Long says most claims have come from the South Island. Canterbury tops the list, followed by Otago, then Auckland, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty. She says local grass types and climates could fuel these, ahem, spikes. “Certain breeds – think long coats or high energy – are magnets for these seeds,” she explains. “And in regions like Canterbury, environmental factors can amplify the risk.”
Spot the symptoms
In addition to knowing the risk specific to your area, Le Long advises keeping a close eye on your dogs, particularly after a good outdoors session. Symptoms can include excessive pawing at the face, ears, or eyes, limping, licking a specific area, and sneezing or nasal discharge. Closer examination might reveal redness, swelling, or pus at the site.
She notes that if seeds pile up, a quick clip or shave could be helpful. “Once they dig into the soft tissues, infections loom – and that’s when costs and stress skyrocket,” she concludes.