Grass Seeds: The Autumn Hazard Hiding in Your Local Parks

Why Autumn 2026 Is the Time to Pay Attention

Grass seeds are most commonly associated with spring and early summer — but the dried seeds that remain through April and May are arguably more dangerous. The seed heads have fully hardened, the barbs are rigid, and the grasses along park edges and street verges have had months to grow long and seed prolifically. The wetter than average summer in the Sydney basin in 2025–26 means grass growth has been strong, and seed volumes heading into this autumn are high.

With daylight saving having ended on 6 April 2026, evening walks are now happening in lower light — making post-walk seed checks harder and easier to skip. This is the season to be more diligent, not less.

Where the Risk Is Locally This Season

The highest-risk areas for grass seed encounters around Ramsgate right now are the places where native and weedy grasses grow at the unmown edges of parks, along fence lines, and beside formed pathways. In this area that includes:

• Cook Park foreshore — the grassed borders between the promenade path and the landscaped areas along Grand Parade from Ramsgate Beach through to Sans Souci and Dolls Point. These sections are mowed on a council schedule but the edges and transitions to garden beds are typically left longer, particularly heading into April and May
• Carss Bush Park, Carss Park — the bushland sections and park edges where managed lawn gives way to native and weedy vegetation; seed risk is highest in the informal areas away from formed paths
• Gannons Park, Peakhurst — the open grassed areas and unmown buffer zones along the park boundaries
• HV Evatt Park, Kogarah — around the bushland edges and informal path margins
• Residential street verges in Ramsgate, Monterey, Kogarah Bay, and Beverley Park — particularly where grass is allowed to go to seed between council mowing visits in April and May

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk

Any dog that walks through grass is at risk, but some are significantly more vulnerable:

• Spaniels (Cocker, Springer, Cavalier) — the long, feathery ear flaps act like funnels, directing seeds straight into the ear canal
• Groodles, Labradoodles, and Cavoodles — the fluffy, curly coat around the paws and ears traps seeds before they're visible
• Golden and Labrador Retrievers — dense undercoat and feathering around the feet
• Any dog that runs through longer grass off-path

Short-coated breeds like Beagles, Staffies, and Whippets are less commonly affected but not immune — particularly on the paws and around the eyes.

Where Seeds Enter and What to Look For

Between the toes — the most common site. Signs are persistent licking or chewing at one paw, swelling between the toes, or a small red lump with a pinhole opening that may weep clear or reddish fluid. Cases tend to peak in April through June as the autumn seed season is at its height.

Ears — sudden, frantic head shaking and pawing at one ear after a walk. A grass seed in the ear canal is extremely painful and will not resolve on its own. This is an urgent vet visit, particularly if it happens in the April–May period when seeds are most concentrated.

Eyes — excessive squinting, tearing, or pawing at one eye after walking through grass. Seeds can scratch the cornea or lodge under the eyelid.

Armpits and groin — less obvious, but seeds in these skin folds cause progressive swelling and soreness. Your dog may be reluctant to move normally or may show subtle lameness.

Under the skin — once a seed has breached the skin surface, it continues to migrate. Seeds have been found in lungs, chest cavities, and spinal areas. This is not common, but it is possible, and it is why early treatment — ideally in the same week the seed was acquired — is so important.