Why does my dog eat grass?
Pet parents often wonder why their dogs enjoy eating grass. Many dogs eat grass, vomit, and then return to eating grass again. Does this mean your dog isn't feeling well and wants to get something unpleasant out of their stomach?
Have they gotten into something poisonous? Is your dog drawing attention to an undiagnosed medical condition? Some dogs vomit after eating grass, but not all do. Most dogs eat grass without showing any signs of stomach upset.
So, it seems unlikely that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting. Then why do they do it?
Physical Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass
Dogs need the right amount of fiber in their diet to keep their digestive system moving properly. After all, dogs are omnivores, so their good health depends on plants and high-quality meat. Eating grass may be an easy way for your dog to add roughage to their diet, helping to keep things moving through their digestive tract.
That said, if your dog is eating grass but also showing signs of stomach upset, there may be a medical problem and a need for diagnostic testing Dogs can suffer from stomach and gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. If your dog is eating grass and has other symptoms, such as lack of appetite, decreased energy, diarrhea, or constipation, it's a good idea to take your pup to the vet for an examination.
Psychological Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass
If your dog doesn't show any signs of digestive issues but eats grass like there's no tomorrow, psychological reasons should be considered for the behavior.
Boredom and anxiety can play a role in your dog's grass-eating habit. Though most dogs enjoy being outside, some become bored when alone and look for things to do to pass the time. Chowing down on readily available grass may be one way they decide to pass the hours.
Dogs also seek out ineraction with their humans and may try to get their owners' attention with inappropriate actions like eating grass if they feel neglected.
Dogs may also eat grass to comfort themselves, similar to how nervous people chew their fingernails. Whether your pooch is bored, lonely, or anxious, a dog will often eat more grass as their time spent around their owner decreases.
If your dog is simply suffering from boredom, increasing the length, distance, or intensity of their walks could help reduce grass eating.
If your dog seems to suffer separation anxiety when you leave the house, try leaving an old blanket or T-shirt with your scent on it with your dog. Your dog may find the familiar scent reassuring and help curb its grass-eating habit.
Some dogs show obsessive behaviors. If your dog is obsessively eating grass, your vet can advise you on how to help your pup reduce obsessive behaviors.
Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?
Eating grass is considered safe if your dog is otherwise healthy and on regular parasite prevention medication.
To help keep your grass-nibbling pup healthy, ensure there are no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers on the grass your dog enjoys.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.