Grass seed season is here again, and what started as a trickle has become a steady stream of cases of grass seeds lodged in feet, ears and various other parts of the body.

On account of their fury feet spaniels are the biggest offenders but any dog can get a grass seed lodged in an awkward place, so it is always worth checking ears and in between toes after a walk.

Head shaking and ear scratching are the classic signs of a grass seed in the ear of a dog and swelling between toes is the classic for a grass seed lodged in the foot.

Sometimes we can remove these seeds with the patient conscious but often the ear is too sore, or the foot is too swollen, and we must sedate the patient to really explore the area and check that we get everything out.

Cats tend to be a bit more sensible and are not so prone to hurtling through crops and getting grass awns stuck where they should not be; but cats are prone to wander further in good weather and during light evenings.

Also, do not forget they are prone to wander if their hormones tell them to – so if you have not yet got your young cat neutered (whether male or female) get them booked in soon.

I have already had a lot of response to last week’s article about the brands of cat food that are being linked to illness in cats – remember if you feed AVA, Applaws or Sainsbury’s own cat food double check on the Food Standards Agency website that the food you are feeding is not going to cause illness in your cat.

Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083