Grass eating among dogs may sound unusual since this does not seem to demonstrate dog behavior. But surprisingly, the reason why we come up to write this article is because of the growing concerns among dog owners.
Why A Dog Keeps Eating Grass
Many are saying that their dogs keep eating grass. Similarly, many are asking as well how to stop dogs from eating grass. So, if you see your dog eating grass all of a sudden, then vomit, and eat grass again, you are not alone in this confusion.
Hence, we hope that through this article, we’ll get to help you answer your questions such as, if Is it bad for dogs to eat grass, what it means when your dog eats grass, and how to stop dogs from eating grass.
Reasons Why A Dog Keeps Eating Grass
Some dog owners observe that their dogs vomit after they eat grass, but this is not always the case. In most instances, most of the dogs eating grass frantically do not show signs of an upset stomach. Given this thought, can we really say that eating grass causes dogs to vomit?
Some dogs puke after eating grass. In fact, the majority of dogs eat grass without suffering any stomach discomfort before or after doing so. This seems to indicate that dogs do not feed grass to induce vomiting. Given this case, why do they eat grass?
Well, here are 3 possible reasons why your dog keeps eating grass. Understand each and try to see which most likely applies to your dog:
Dogs Eat Grass As A Form Of Nature-Made Supplement
Your dogs might rely on eating grass as their usual reaction when they feel vomiting. But as a living organism too, it can be good for dogs to eat grass since it consists of chlorophyll. This green pigment gives color to grass which is also used in the process of photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll is beneficial in many ways such as being rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It also brings enzymes that help dogs in detoxification in the blood to prevent organ damage.
We can observe dogs eating a lot of grass more during early spring or late summer when grass grows anew and produce more amount of chlorophyll.
It may be surreal to think that dogs are so smart to know what’s best for them. However, as a living being, this can be a natural reaction among dogs to take nature-made supplements to improve their health too.
Dogs Eat Grass For Digestive Relief
Aside from being a great food source, grass is also highly nutritious for having a high amount of cellulose.
It may sound like rocket science, but cellulose is such an essential part of our diet. Ironically, though it is insoluble in nature, it keeps the cells growing and connected to tissues. So enough about a biology lesson. What does cellulose have to do with dogs eating grass?
Dogs in the wild would normally eat all of their prey including its fur which serves as their fiber. They would fully consume the fur so their gastrointestinal tract gets cleaned. Grass similarly acts like fur. Home dogs would rely on the grass to use for cleansing.
Dogs Eat Grass to Soothe Stomachache
Grass not only helps in the deep internal cleansing of the digestive tract, but it is also frequently used by our dogs for a quick cleanse of the components in their stomach.
When you observe that your dog eating a lot of grass and then throwing up, it is because the grass is being used to expel too much bile, mucous, or some other impurity in the stomach.
Dog owners should also be able to distinguish if their dog is vomiting due to illness or because their dog eating a lot of grass. If you identify that they keep on vomiting because of feeling unwell, then you must contact your veterinarian right away.
Is Grass Safe For Dogs To Eat?
One of the most frequently asked questions by dog owners, whether or not their dogs eat grass, is if eating grass is considered safe for their pets. Just to set the records straight, it is still considered safe for dogs to eat grass unless they are on regular parasite-prevention medication.
Another important thing to remember is to make sure there are no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers on the grass your dog chews to keep their body healthy.
However, if you observe that your dog keeps eating grass because of boredom, then you can consider giving them enough exercise or engaging them in some activities to divert their attention. Interactive games like frisbee can be a good choice or chewy toys can keep them occupied too.
If your dog’s pica or the reason why they eat grass is due to nutritional deficiency, you can help them switch to better dog food with a higher fiber content to address the issue.
Although most experts believe that eating grass is not dangerous, it is important to remember that certain herbicides and pesticides used on lawns can be extremely poisonous for dogs when eaten.
Scientific Reasons Why Dog Keeps Eating Grass
Dogs, like people who mindlessly gnaw their nails, will frequently eat grass out of boredom or worry. If your dog shows no signs of stomach problems yet continues to munch on grass, investigate other psychological explanations for their behavior.
If your dog appears to be bored, increasing the length, distance, or intensity of walks may help to reduce their grass eating.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety that’s why they keep on eating grass, consider leaving an old blanket or t-shirt with your fragrance on it when you leave the house. The familiar smell could be comforting to your dog and aid to minimize their grass munching.
When Dog Owners Should Act
It is common for dogs to eat grass, but this does not always mean that it is healthy for them to do so.
Especially if the dog eats grass from any location, dog owners may not always be aware of whether the grass has been sprayed with dangerous chemicals that could make the pet ill. Eating grass can cause them more harm than benefits.
Some canines exhibit compulsive tendencies. If your dog is persistently chewing grass, it’s time to take him to the clinic. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how to assist your dog in reducing compulsive habits such as eating grass.
Conclusion
To recap, it is completely natural for dogs to eat living grass. It may not always mean that something is wrong. In reality, eating grass is their natural method of responding to and communicating with us about their body’s needs.
However, it is necessary that your dog avoid consuming grass near roadways, public areas, or recreational areas or in places that may have been treated with antimicrobial agents, herbicide, or exposed to environmental contaminants and/or fertilizers and pesticides.
If you spray pesticides in your yard or are unsure if it has been treated, the grass is also off-limits at home. If this is the case, you can grow some in a pot for your dog to enjoy toxin-free grass.
Wrapping up, we can say that eating grass among dogs may still be good but pets should take them moderately. As pet owners, your dogs rely on your help. By reading this, you have just taken a step ahead in keeping them safer.
