Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Published: 2021-07-18
Views: 385
Author: Writer
Published in: Animal Health

Is your pet dog constantly chewing on the grass in the yard? Are you debating whether or not you should let them eat it?

If you ask a veterinarian, they will most likely tell you that this is perfectly normal and that many dogs eat grass.

Reasons why dogs eat grass or plants

There are a variety of reasons why dogs eat grass, but the most common explanation is a condition known as Pica, which is linked to a nutritional deficiency.

So, why would dogs on well-balanced commercial meals be nutritionally deficient to the point of eating grass?

Fiber from grass

Just like humans, dogs need fiber in their diets to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Because dogs are omnivores, they require both plant and high-quality meat to have a balanced diet.

Eating grass is a quick and relatively enjoyable way for some dogs to add fiber to their diet.

Commercial dog diets may have enough fiber, but this does not imply that they have enough roughage, a form of dietary fiber that helps stimulate the intestinal tract and keep things moving smoothly.

Digestion Issues

While eating grass is a common thing, it can occasionally be a sign of something else, such as stomach discomfort.

Some dogs are aware that eating grass causes them to vomit, and they want to vomit to feel better.

Dogs may be exposed to a variety of gastric reflux, pancreatitis, and infectious bowel diseases.

It is advised to take your dog to see your veterinarian if it displays symptoms other than eating grass.

This includes reduced power, lack of appetite, diarrhea, or constipation.

Boredom or Anxiety

Dogs can eat grass out of boredom or anxiety, just like people who bite their nails.

If your dog has no other symptoms but still eats grass all the time, the cause of its behavior may be psychological.

If your dog appears to be bored, try increasing the duration, distance, or intensity of your walks together, getting them toys they love, and playing with them to help them stop chewing on grass.

If your dog appears to have separation anxiety, consider leaving an old blanket or a shirt with your scent on them with your dog while you leave the house.

The dog may find the familiar scent reassuring and hence help them feel less anxious.

Dog desperate to eat grass

How do you know if you need help with your dog?

If you find your dog eating grass more frequently than usual, it could be an indication that the dog is suffering from an illness and is attempting to self-treat it.

Check if they are vomiting, have diarrhea, losing weight, have decreased appetite, lip licking, or have blood in their stool.

It's also crucial to keep an eye on your dog around any home plants you have nearby, as some species can be extremely toxic and dangerous to dogs if chewed or ingested.

Keep your grass dog friendly

Since eating grass is normal behavior for dogs, it is important to keep your grass safe for them to ingest, you can do that by avoiding the use of pesticides that contain toxic chemicals, or maybe consider making a special place in the yard for your dog to play and eat safely.

It is important to clean any stools left in the backyard and consider making a pet-waste digester to reduce the risk of parasite transmission, so your dog can eat clean grass.

Is grass bad for dogs?

Be careful with harmful plants and seeds, like foxtails. They are small dry seeds produced by wild plants of a kind of grass – mostly seen in lawns and posing a significant risk to dogs.

In the wet spring, these weeds grow rapidly and in the hot summer, they become dry. The seeds are intended to burrow in the environment and can cause enormous problems for dogs who eat them.

That is why it is crucial to monitor your yard and diligently remove any foxtails you find by digging or pulling them out, or soaking them in vinegar at ground level.

But most importantly of all, watching your dog closely when they play in the yard.

Even though eating grass might be common behavior in many canines, you can also train your dog out of that behavior to have more peace of mind.

It is always best to consult and ask for help from your vet if you think your dog has chewed or eaten any toxic plants or weeds or ingested too much grass or any amount of chemicals.

The vet will be able to evaluate the risk and perform several procedures like fecal samples, blood tests, or even a full physical exam to determine any issues or underlying conditions.

In case you felt like your dog ingested too much grass but is not showing any symptoms, you can help them by keeping them hydrated and let them use the toilet frequently.

You can also have your dog fast for 8 to 12 hours before gradually reintroducing food. If none of this works, you should consult your veterinarian.