Vets are warning against the dangers of grass seeds on dogs.
Although you may not realise it, grass seeds can be so harmful for our fur babies - but there are a number of precautions you can take to protect your pup.
Grass seeds can be seen attached to the top of long grass stems and are a particular problem in the summer months.
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They're also pretty sharp and pointy, so if your dog walks through long grass, the seeds can easily brush off and onto their fur, or worse, becoming lodged in the eyes, ears or nose.
In rare and particularly sad cases, they can burrow into the skin and move to other areas of the body where they can cause more harm and be very difficult to find.
Caroline Reay, Head of Veterinary Services at national pet charity Blue Cross told Tyla: "Although tiny, grass seeds are very sharp and can become trapped in your dog's fur while out on a walk and work their way down to pierce the skin.
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"Left untreated, this can be incredibly painful for your pet and cause swelling, and if stuck inside their paws, limping. The first sign of problems is often that your pet is continually licking a foot (although this can also be seen with allergies as well) or limping.
"In rare cases, a seed can penetrate an internal organ such as a bowel."
Grass seeds affect all breeds, but can be a particular problem in those with feathery toes, such as spaniels.
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So how can we keep our fur babies safe?
Caroline continued: "Dog owners should check their dogs, particularly around the feet and ears, after walking through areas with long grass.
"Keeping hair around these areas short will also minimise the risk of grass seeds sticking and burrowing into your pet's skin. If you do notice any seeds when you return from a walk, remove them straight away.
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"If you spot a seed that has started to penetrate your dog's skin, or you notice your dog licking or chewing at a particular spot then contact your vet."
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