Hugo the Shih Tzu seen at Animal Trust Rhyl in grass seed drama

This is Hugo, a two-year-old Shih Tzu. Hugo's owner brought him into Animal Trust Rhyl after his dog walker noticed him behaving strangely during his morning walk, through some cut grass. He was shaking his head and clearly uncomfortable. 

Lead Vet Zoe examined him and suspected a grass seed lodged in his ear. Unfortunately, it was too deep to remove safely while he was awake, so Hugo was given a light sedation. A grass seed was found and successfully removed. 

The good news is that Hugo was feeling much better straight after the procedure – tail wagging and ready to go home the same day. He came back for his post-op check a few days later and was completely back to his normal happy self. 

Grass seeds can cause serious problems for dogs during the summer months, often getting lodged in their ears, eyes, or paws. Their sharp tips and barbed edges allow them to penetrate the skin —most commonly between the toes — where they can migrate and cause pain, swelling, or infection. After walks, especially through long grass, it’s important to check your dog’s feet, ears, and coat thoroughly, particularly if they have longer fur that can trap seeds. Any seeds caught in the fur should be gently removed as soon as possible. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, such as head shaking, limping, or excessive licking, it's best to speak to your vet.