COCKER SPANIEL HAS NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE FROM TINY GRASS SEEDS

Owners warned of the hidden hazards of summer, as warmer weather sees a surge in injuries.

New research released today (5 September) by The Kennel Club and its insurance partner, Agria Pet Insurance, reveals that dogs are more at risk of injury from grass seeds in the warmer months. 80% of all claims in the last year made during the late summer and early autumn periods (September – October 2023, and July – August 2024), and nearly a third of all claims (30%) made in September and October.

Grass seed injuries are a common problem for dogs, particularly during the summer months. Resembling tiny arrowheads, they can easily attach themselves to an animal’s fur and burrow into the skin, causing pets pain and discomfort. The most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears, but they can also go up their nose, and breeds with hairy ears and paws are more at risk when in meadows or woodlands.

As such, The Kennel Club and Agria Pet Insurance are urging dog owners to remain vigilant to hidden hazards when out on walks, after one unlucky Cocker Spaniel ended up in intensive care after inhaling grass seeds.

Earlier this summer, Claire from Norwich had taken her dogs, including Mollie, a six-year-old Cocker Spaniel for a walk through cornfields in the Norfolk countryside when both Mollie and Hector disappeared. While the pair thankfully returned home two hours later, the nightmare wasn’t over for Claire and her husband, when Mollie developed a recurring cough. Despite having visited the vets and been prescribed painkillers, Claire knew something was still wrong and, five days after the walk, rushed her back to the vets after Mollie almost collapsed. A CT scan revealed a problem with one of her lungs and she was taken into surgery, with the vet discovering that Mollie had inhaled three grass seeds which had punctured her lung.

Mollie remained in intensive care for four days, and has been left with a ten-inch scar and reduced lung capacity, but thankfully the vet is confident that she will make a full recovery in time.

 “Although the vet initially didn’t find anything wrong, my gut told me otherwise – Mollie’s cough was so distinctive so I’m very thankful that it rang alarm bells now,” commented Claire. “She’s lost a lot of weight and muscle so we’re now feeding her up and she’s on a month of short-lead walks – and while we will take extra precautions from now on, we hope Mollie can continue to live life with the utmost joy.”

Following this warning, The Kennel Club is urging owners to be aware of the common signs of grass seeds affecting dogs:

• Shaking their head;
• Licking their paws;
• Looking uncomfortable;
• Lethargy;
• Appearing to be in pain;
• Swelling between the toes and/or any discharging wounds on the feet

Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor at Agria Pet Insurance added: “Grass seeds might seem harmless but they can be very dangerous if left untreated, and cause a lot of pain and discomfort to your dog.

“It’s important to always check over your dog after walks in meadows, woodlands or any green area and if you think they might be affected, contact your vet immediately.”

Further information and advice for dog owners about avoiding summer hazards can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/summer.

ENDS

Notes to Editor   

If you’d like any further information or pictures, please email press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk  

The Kennel Club   

The Kennel Club is the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Its objective is to ensure that dogs live healthy, happy lives with responsible owners.     

It runs the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs and the Petlog database, which is one of the UK’s biggest reunification service for microchipped animals. The Kennel Club also runs its Assured Breeders scheme - the only UK-wide scheme that monitors breeders in order to protect the welfare of puppies and breeding bitches - as well as the UK’s largest dog training programme, The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme. It accredits dog trainers and behaviourists through the City & Guilds Accredited Kennel Club Instructors scheme (KCAI).   

The Kennel Club licenses shows and clubs across a wide range of activities, which help dog owners to bond and enjoy life with their dogs and runs the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, which showcases canine activities and educates people about how to responsibly buy and care for their dog.     

The Kennel Club invests in welfare campaigns, dog training and education programmes and The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports research into dog diseases and dog welfare charities, including The Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations that re-home dogs throughout the UK. The Kennel Club jointly runs health screening schemes with the British Veterinary Association.  

About Agria Pet Insurance    
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in animal insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.    

 In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, rabbits and horses. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).      

Agria Pet Insurance was awarded Best Overall Pet Insurer by The Telegraph February 2024, is rated 5 star by defaqto and has an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot. Agria Lifetime Premium and Kennel Club Lifetime Premium are joint top of the table for Which? Best Buy dog policies.   

For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / www.kcinsurance.co.uk / www.gccfinsurance.co.uk.