A dog owner has warned others to be careful after dangerous grass seeds almost killed her pooch. 

Claire from Norwich was walking her dogs through the cornfields of the Norfolk countryside earlier this summer when both disappeared. 

Following their return, Claire's anxiety only worsened when she noticed that cocker spaniel Mollie had developed a nasty recurring cough. 

Mollie had inhaled just three grass seeds but it was still enough to send her to emergency surgery (Image: The Kennel Club)

The six-year-old was prescribed painkillers but Claire feared something else was wrong.  

Five days later Mollie collapsed and had to be rushed back to the vet for a CT scan which revealed she had inhaled three grass seeds that had punctured her lung. 

Mollie was taken into surgery and has been left with a 10-inch scar and reduced lung capacity. 

“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,” Claire said.  

"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.” 

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The Kennel Club is now warning other pet owners of the dangers associated with grass seeds. 

The common seeds - which resemble arrowheads - attach themselves to dog fur, burrow into the skin and trigger discomfort.  

Dogs with hairier ears and paws are at higher risk when walking in woodlands and meadows but the real danger comes when dogs accidentally inhale the seeds through their nose. 

Signs of grass seed-related complications can include dogs licking their paws, lethargy, looking uncomfortable, swelling on the toes and discharging wounds on the feet.