It happened to Millie – a two-year-old cocker spaniel – while she was running around in some long grass on the farm where she lives.
Barbed grass awns are dangerous to dogs as they can attach to the fur or enter the body, causing infections, abscesses and respiratory problems.
In the days after Millie inhaled one, she developed a hacking cough that “seemed worse in the mornings”.
There was also some phlegm and she was struggling to breathe, so her owners Chris and Ed Gaze took her to the nearby Taverham Veterinary Hospital.
The experts could not see anything unusual and sent her home on a treatment plan, but her cough did not improve so she returned soon after.
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This time, a CT scan revealed a foreign body and a large amount of pus were blocking her airways and she was put under general anaesthesia for an endoscopy to remove the seed.
Chris and Ed said Millie recovered well at home, but they wanted to share their story to warn others to look out for the signs.
“When we first took Millie in, we didn’t realise the enormity of the situation and we’re so grateful to everyone at Taverham,” Ed said.
“We were very fortunate they found the grass awn. It could have been even more serious if it wasn’t spotted and removed, which took quite some effort.
“The cough subsided a couple of days after we got her home and she’s back to being a happy little soul.
“We’ll definitely be extra careful in the future.”
Holly McKinley, a senior vet at Pet Health Club which Taverham Vets belongs to, added: “We would recommend checking your dog carefully after walks.
“You should pay particular attention to the paws and ears, especially in long-haired breeds- and you should contact your vet if you think your dog may have a problem with grass awns.”
