07/07/2025
🐾 Tiffin’s Troublesome Walk – A Cautionary Tail 🐶🌾
Say hello to Tiffin, a sweet 4-year-old Cavalier x Cocker Spaniel who came in recently after developing a very sore ear following her walk through long grass. Her owners noticed something wasn’t quite right when she began pawing at her face, shaking her head, and rubbing her ear along the ground. They brought her straight in – and we’re glad they did!
During her exam, Dr Charlotte used an otoscope to take a closer look and spotted the culprit: a sharp grass seed lodged deep inside her ear canal! 😱 These tiny but mighty seeds are notorious this time of year – they’re sharp, barbed, and designed by nature to travel. Left untreated, they can migrate under the skin and even around the body, causing infections and more serious complications.
Tiffin was admitted, sedated, and the offending seed safely removed. While under sedation, we also found several more hiding in her fur and between her paws. She received a gentle groom while asleep and went home happy, healthy, and grass seed-free. 🐕💚
🌿 Grass Seed Safety Tips:
Grass seeds are more than just a nuisance – they can cause real harm. After walks, especially through fields or long grass, it’s important to:
✅ Check your pet’s ears, especially floppy-eared breeds
✅ Inspect between toes and pads
✅ Look through the fur on legs, armpits, and tail area
✅ Gently brush through the coat to catch any seeds early
✅ If your pet shows signs like shaking their head, licking paws, or sudden discomfort – don’t wait, get them checked
Thanks to Tiffin’s observant owners, she avoided more serious trouble. Keep an eye out this summer, and if you’re ever unsure, we’re just a phone call away ☎️
