Urgent warning for UK dog owners as Cocker Spaniel nearly DIED after inhaling common plant – here’s what to look out for
- Mollie, a Cocker Spaniel from Norwich, nearly died after inhaling a common plant
Vets have issued an urgent warning to dog owners in the UK after a Cocker Spaniel nearly died after inhaling a common plant.
Mollie, a six-year-old Cocker Spaniel from Norwich, developed a recurring cough shortly after returning home from a walk with her owners through the Norfolk countryside.
Although the vets initially prescribed Mollie painkillers, her symptoms did not improve and five days later she nearly collapsed.
A CT scan showed a problem with one of her lungs and she underwent surgery. The vet discovered that Mollie had inhaled three grass seeds which had punctured her lung.
‘Grass seed may seem harmless, but it can be very dangerous if left untreated and can cause your dog a lot of pain and discomfort,’ says Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor at Agria Pet Insurance.
Mollie, a six-year-old Cocker Spaniel from Norwich, developed a recurring cough shortly after returning from a walk with her owners through the Norfolk countryside
After the incident, Mollie remained in intensive care for four days.
She is also left with a 10-inch scar and reduced lung capacity, but her vet is confident she will make a full recovery.
Claire, one of Mollie’s owners, said: ‘Although the vet initially found nothing wrong, my gut feeling told me otherwise.
‘Mollie’s cough was so noticeable that I am very grateful that it raised alarm bells now.
“She has lost a lot of weight and muscle, so we are feeding her now and she is on short walks on a leash for a month. Although we will be taking extra precautions from now on, we hope that Mollie can continue to enjoy life with the greatest joy.”
Grass seed injury is a common problem for dogs, especially in the summer months, according to The Kennel Club and its insurance partner Agria Pet Insurance, with 80 percent of all claims filed in the past year coming in the late summer and early fall.
The seeds resemble small arrowheads and can easily attach to an animal’s fur and burrow into the skin
The seeds resemble small arrowheads and can easily attach to your pet’s fur and burrow into its skin.
Although the paws and ears are the areas most commonly affected, grass seeds can also end up in dogs’ noses – as happened to Mollie.
Based on the findings, the Kennel Club is urging dog owners to be aware of common symptoms that indicate grass seed is harmful to dogs.
This includes your dog shaking his head, licking his paws, looking uncomfortable, being listless, appearing to be in pain, and having swelling or sores between his toes.
‘It is important to always check your dog after walking in fields, woodland or other green areas. If you think your dog is infected, contact your vet immediately,’ Mr Hargreaves said.