A VET has warned of the "huge number" of grass seeds on the roads after dogs were injured - one fatally.
Dr Nicky Ross said that barley seeds can injure pooches, getting in their paws, ears, and even lungs.
The warning comes as dogs across the country were hurt, with one dying after inhaling the seed.
Dr Ross, of New Priory Vets, said: “The shape makes them a problem because they look like little darts.
“We have been seeing a huge number of them this year, a lot more than I remember previously”.
Grass seeds have proved dangerous for dogs this summer as they can get stuck in areas such as feet, noses, and eyes, causing severe irritation and pain for pets.
Dr Ross has said that recently she has been seeing as many as two or three grass seeds a day that need pulling out of dogs.
Other rarer but more serious complications from the seeds include perforated ear drums and breathing difficulties.
Dr Ross said the best advice she could give to dog owners is to avoid particularly dry fields and to check their pets for signs that they are in pain.
She said that these symptoms could include dogs shaking their heads or clawing at paws.
"Just be really aware of your dog. If there is something not right go and see someone about it.” Dr Ross added.
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