Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why does my dog eat grass"? Although it may seem strange, eating grass is a fairly common behavior in dogs. But what's behind it? In this blog post, we'll explore what it means when your dog eats grass and what you can do as a concerned dog owner to help. We'll discuss the most common reasons dogs eat grass and give you practical tips on how to give your dog a safe and healthy alternative. Read on here to find out more.
Why does my dog eat so much grass?
Your beloved four-legged companion is not a cow, so you may be confused when you see your dog eating grass. Maybe you're even worried. Are you hungry? Bored? Is he ill? Will eating grass harm them? First of all, rest assured that you are not alone in your concerns, especially if your dog is eating grass and vomiting.
Pica is the technical term for a disorder in which the dog eats things that are not food. Sometimes pica indicates that your dog has a nutrient deficiency. However, it is often simply a sign of boredom, especially in puppies and younger dogs.
Dogs eating grass is quite common (it has also been seen in wild dogs and can be completely natural), and this form of pica usually doesn't cause too much trouble. Most veterinarians even consider it to be normal dog behavior. A small study of 49 dog owners whose dogs had regular access to grass and other plants found that 79% of the dogs had eaten plants at some point. Another survey of herbivorous dogs found that grass was the most commonly eaten plant.
Common Reasons Dogs Eat Grass
They like the taste.
Yes, dogs find grass tasty - especially when it is young, green and tender. They also like the texture, which is different from that of the dry or canned food they usually find in the bowl. Even if your dog is fed the recommended amount of commercial or homemade food every day (plus treats!), he is biologically programmed to forage for food. When he's out in the garden or walking with you around the neighborhood, millions of fragrant blades of grass beckon.
You are bored.
Sometimes a dog eats grass in the yard to pass the time - especially when the squirrels aren't taunting him and his human is in the house or at work. Or he knows that by eating grass he can attract his owner's attention. Either way, your dog needs something to keep him busy, and nibbling serves that purpose. Understandable, right?
It could satisfy a nutritional need.
Veterinarians, scientists, and research librarians will tell you that eating strange things that aren't food is called pica. This can indicate a lack of vitamins, minerals, fiber or chlorophyll (both of which help with digestion). Some experts theorize that the grass is a good source of fiber and eating it supports the dog's body functions. But here's the problem. There is no solid scientific evidence that makes this theory right or wrong. If you are concerned about your dog's diet because of grass-fed food, you should consult with your veterinarian about the most nutritious dog food for your best friend.
It might help with an upset stomach.
Many experts believe that dogs sometimes eat grass to induce vomiting, which in turn relieves their upset stomach. This is due to evolution: in ancient wild dogs, nausea triggered the instinct to eat grass, which irritated their stomach lining. This resulted in the grass and offensive food choice being thrown up. So today's dogs have the instinct to self-medicate with grass.
However, there is no solid scientific evidence to support this theory, either for one side or the other. Does a dog eat grass because he has an upset stomach and wants to vomit? Or does he get an upset stomach after eating the grass? This is a mystery.
How to find out the reason why your dog is eating grass
One of the biggest challenges is figuring out why it happens. The first step is to visit the vet to check for possible abnormalities with a blood draw, fecal test and urine analysis. Before your appointment, make a note of your dog's grass-eating behavior so you can alert the vet to any unusual behavior that may help determine the cause. For example, you might notice that your dog is nervous or seems sick before eating grass.
Is grass dangerous for dogs?
Should you stop your dog from eating grass?
The short answer is "yes". Even if your dog eats grass because he loves the taste, it's not guaranteed to be good for him. Fresh, green grass may be tender and tasty, but unless it's your own lawn, you don't know if the blades have been sprayed with toxic chemicals that could make your pet sick. You also can't tell if your dog is eating grass that is contaminated with intestinal parasites (e.g. hookworms) that come from other dogs' poop. Yuck!
Does grass make dogs sick?
Many people believe that dogs get sick when they eat grass, when in fact it is safe for dogs. Dogs need fiber in their diet, and grass is a good source of fiber. Although grass itself is not harmful to dogs, it is not the best snack because it carries some risks, for example:
- Long grass can get stuck in their paws, ears and eyes, often causing irritation, especially in the warmer months.
- Dogs can also pick up ticks from grass, especially in the spring when the ticks are looking for an animal host to feed on. Ticks attach themselves to the dog's fur. Although most tick bites are harmless, some can transmit Lyme disease.
- Make sure your dog doesn't eat snails as they could transmit lungworm. Once in the dog's body, the parasite travels throughout the body and eventually ends up in the heart. If the infection is left untreated, the dog's health can quickly deteriorate and lead to death.
- Be careful with herbicides, pesticides, or weed killers on the grass as they can be toxic.
How can you stop your dog from eating grass?
Change your dog's diet.
If it seems like your pup is eating grass for its taste and texture, consider setting out a low, wide container of organic edible grass just for him. That might keep him happy and keep him away from the landscape. (Grass seeds are available in pet stores.)
Train your dog to ignore grass.
If he constantly pulls you away from the sidewalk to eat hay, distract him while grazing by gently guiding him in a different direction. Or take high-value treats with you when you take him for a walk. If he strays from the path to nibble on grass, give him a verbal signal such as "sit" or "down" and reward him with a treat if he obeys.
Also, keep your dog busy.
Make sure your dog can entertain himself while he's outside alone. Give him a sturdy chew toy to keep his mind and jaws occupied. And train his body by investing in toys that don't require a parent's help, like toys. B. an interactive dog toy that distributes treats or an electronic ball throwing machine.
Summary
Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons, the most common being digestive problems and boredom. The grass helps them cleanse and regulate their digestive system by emptying the stomach when vomiting or by stimulating the intestines to promote bowel movements. Grass can also help satisfy their hunger when they are not getting enough food or are simply eating out of boredom. However, in some cases, eating grass can also be a sign of a health problem, such as gastrointestinal disease or parasites. If your dog is eating a lot of grass or exhibiting unusual behavior, you should see your veterinarian for a thorough examination and to rule out possible causes.
