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A dog owner has issued a crucial health warning after her pet fell ill following a walk, which resulted in the puppy fighting for his life in intensive care - a battle he tragically lost. Distraught Ellie took to TikTok after the death of her beloved dog, Ralph, to raise awareness about the dangers of grass seeds.

Before Ralph's untimely passing, Ellie posted a video showing her one year old Springer Spaniel as "happy, playful and full of life", enthusiastically playing in rivers, fields and on the beach. However, everything changed when she noticed he had developed several worrying symptoms at home.

"I can't believe I'm writing this and my heart is broken," Ellie expressed. "This weekend, after weeks of our boy seeming withdrawn/sad which we thought was due to stomach upset, Ralph started to struggle to breathe."

In response, Ellie immediately rushed Ralph to the emergency vets, where they performed a chest X-ray, revealing his small body was filled with bacterial fluid surrounding his heart.

"They believe this is due to a foreign body, most likely a grass seed," Ellie cautioned, before urging other dog owners to "check" their pets after spending time outdoors.

She added: "This post is to spread awareness to check your dogs after walks, especially in the summer time.

"These little seeds from grass/wheat fields can get into the body via ears, nose and mouth causing serious internal damage. We learnt this the hard way and our puppy dog is in intensive care right down being pumped with antibiotics."

Ellie revealed that Ralph would need a CT scan to try to find the embedded seed.

"We do not know where it is located but lungs are suspected due to the severity of infection and fluid," she explained. "Ralph nearly suffocated it was that bad and we had absolutely no idea this was building up inside."

Consequently, Ellie launched a fundraiser to help cover mounting veterinary costs, but tragically it was too late.

Five days later, she posted a follow-up video on TikTok confirming she had lost Ralph.

"Still wondering why heaven needed you more than I did," she wrote alongside images of the pair in happier times. "My sweet boy, hope you knew how much I loved you."

The RSPCA has issued its own warning about grass seeds on its website.

It states: "Grass seeds are pointed seeds that can cause problems for our pets by getting stuck in paws, ears or anywhere else on the pet's body. There have been some cases where the grass seeds can migrate through the body and even end up in the chest cavity causing serious complications."

The post continues to explain: "Depending on where the grass seed is on the body your pet may react in different ways. Commonly we see small fluid filled bumps appearing between the toes which can often be the infection and inflammation around a grass seed or it's tract. With ear foreign bodies we will normally see head shaking or a head tilt.

"Sometimes if the animal has shook their head a lot you may notice a swelling in the ear flap which is known as an aural haematoma. For foreign bodies in eyes the first sign is normally blinking, some discharge or holding the eye closed.

"The best course of action is to check your pet thoroughly daily or after every walk for dogs. Check between paws and monitor for any abnormal signs. There is more potential for damage the longer a grass seed is left. If you notice anything abnormal then call your vet for an appointment."