Almost everyone who has owned a dog has been through the dilemma of their favorite furry friend eating grass. Is this behavior healthy, safe, or dangerous? Pet experts have this to say on the matter. This article of Explained digs into the reasons why our dog eats grass.
Dogs are peculiar creatures doing things humans would never do, and they eat stuff we wouldn’t dare touch, such as grass, but the question is, why do they do this? Pet owners feed our dogs nutritious food that keeps them healthy, so what would cause these animals to seek out the stuff you mow, bag up, and throw out? According to Veterinarian Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, this problem is not as simple as you think.
When it comes to grass eating and canines can be separated into two groups, one is grazing, and the other is instinctive behavior, according to Hills Pet. Whatever the case determining which group your dog’s behavior belongs to is necessary.
Why Is My Dog Grazing?
Your dog can eat grass when grazing and not suffer consequences, unlike the other reason they consume it. Each dog has unique behavior and reason for grazing, such as pet anxiety or boredom. However, some vets suggest dogs consume grass due to nutritional deficiency. But even dogs with a well-balanced diet will eat grass. Your dog could be eating the grass because it just enjoys the taste, so your dog may be eating for pure enjoyment.
All In The Instincts
Another reason for your dog’s grass eating is thought to be instinctive behavior, according to Pet Experts. Inducing vomiting after your dog consumes something that makes them feel sick belongs in the instinct category. Your dog may be suffering from an upset stomach, so their first instinct is usually to swallow grass as quickly as they can until they start throwing up to relieve themselves. According to these pet experts, they believe, unchewed grass will tickle their throats and begin stimulating vomiting.
Is It Safe For Your Dog To Eat Grass?
When dealing with safe grass-eating, where your dog is eating the grass is just as concerning. Do not let your dog eat anything treated with pesticides or fertilizers, and check your lawn products to make sure not to endanger your pet. According to pet experts, sometimes it’s not about the grass eating, but the grass it is eating.
How can I Stop My Dog From Eating Grass?
If you are worried about your dog eating grass, these are some tips you can use to deal with their habit. As stated prior, a nutritional deficiency could be causing an upset stomach. Now is the time to adjust their diet and keep track of your dog’s eating behavior, according to Hillspet.
Be sure to consult with your vet regarding what food to feed your furry friend, and your dog’s digestion is where it needs to be. A change in diet, however, possibly can make worsen them, but with the knowledge of your favorite vet, you and your dog should be fine. Note that you should transition your dog’s diet gradually, as going straight from one type of food to another can cause massive issues.
When Should I Bring My Dog To The Vet?
If your dog is eating grass and vomits but afterward is back to normal, this behavior is okay, according to Hillspet. However, if they continually eat grass, vomit, and seem bothered, you should take your pet to the vet as quickly as possible.
Usually, when it comes to occasional grass eating, this is nothing to worry about, but if your pet seems to eat foreign objects regularly, you may want to see if your dog has pica. Pica is a medical condition that occurs in dogs, causing them to crave or consume inedible items such as cloth, dirt, paper, garbage, feces, and other inedible or indigestible. If you ignore this issue, it could cause nutritional deficiency and digestive problems.
On the whole, your dog eating grass shouldn’t raise any alarms, but there are things you can do to prevent this issue from getting worse. At any point in time, if you feel your dog’s habit is a cause for concern, contact your vet as soon as possible.
