Can Be Grass Considered a Tasty Snack By Your Dog? Or Is He Dealing With a Problem?
Even though it’s believed that dogs eat grass when they feel like throwing up, that’s not always the case. Contrary to popular belief, the action can indicate problems in your dog’s overall mood or health. A dog can eat grass when he feels bored, but also when his stomach is in pain.
Grass eating is a common behavior with various explanations, including nutritional needs and environmental factors. Occasionally grass eating is not a cause of concern, excess should be strictly avoided.
Firstly, as a pet owner, you must understand the reason behind your dog’s behavior and what kind of strategies you need to implement to deal with it. Responsible pet ownership involves observing any changes in behavior, providing a balanced and healthy diet, and offering attention and love, to support the overall health of dogs.
How can you recognize the reason behind his action? Check out these 7 reasons why dogs eat grass:
1. Their stomach is inflamed
Dr. Candy Akers, a holistic veterinarian and owner of Journeys Holistic Life, says that for some dogs, eating grass is the way the dogs induce their vomiting, to feel better.
Multiple studies, over the years, have found that eating grass for domestic animals is completely normal. Probably one of the most relevant ones is the one from 2008, published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Not long after that, scientists discovered that there are also wild canids that eat grass. So, the conclusion was, that it may serve a biological purpose.
2. Their diet is low in fiber
Grass is a great source of fiber and can help dogs with their digestion. VCA Animal Hospitals claimed that dogs need grass from now and then, to help regulate their bodily functions. However, too much grass can cause constipation and other health issues.
Research has shown that an adult dog should consume daily up to 50% carbohydrates by weight, including 2,5% to 4,5% fiber.
The good news is that dogs feel immediately when something isn’t right with their belly and start to treat them by themselves.
3. Counterbalance to a poor nutrition
In case your dog is not fed properly, he will eat grass to counterbalance his poor nutrition. If you think that your dog has a nutritional deficiency, the best way to find out what is going on is by visiting your vet and having your dog tested. Based on the results, you’ll be able to introduce ingredients that are lacking in his diet.
4. They deal with anxiety
In Finland, in 2020, was discovered that a lot of dogs suffer from anxiety, especially the one caused by noise sensitivity. So, eating grass in these cases, helps dogs to remain active. It’s a coping mechanism.
How do you know if your dog is anxious? Here are the signs Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recently identified:
- drooling
- ears pulled back
- excessive barking
- shaking
- panting
- licking lips
- destructive behaviors
5. They are bored
Don’t forget that dogs will be dogs and they can do everything to get your attention. Eating grass or anything else can be a form of boredom, they feel the need to stay active and play all day long, so they need you to join them.
Just because your dog is chewing grass doesn’t mean he is dealing with intestinal problems. They are very smart creatures; if they understand that they get their owners’ attention by eating grass, they’ll continue doing it.
6. They like it
Dr. Marisa Brunetti claimed multiple times that a lot of dogs enjoy eating grass, especially the fresh one, easily found in spring. So, you don’t need to worry, if he does it rarely. Make sure you observe his behavior and if you identify any major changes, then that is when you need to step in and do something to protect your dog from getting sick.
7. They deal with a medical condition called pica
It’s true, that some dogs can develop a medical condition called pica. It’s defined, by UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, as “the persistent chewing and consumption of non-nutritional substances that provide no physical benefit to the animal”
A study from 2019 that took place in Japan, found that pica was one of the most common behavioral problems, along with excessive barking.
Pica can become very dangerous, leading to gastrointestinal obstructions. So, owners play a crucial role in observing their pet’s behavior.
Are there any negative effects of eating grass on your dogs?
As you understood, if your dog is eating grass it isn’t necessarily a cause of concern.
Dr. Michael Flecks, D. V. M. veterinarian and co-host of the radio show, The Pet Buzz, explained that is not necessarily the grass that can cause issues for dogs, but rather it’s the other animals, humans, and environmental contaminants mixed into the grass that may lead to serious medical problems.
The 3 most dangerous effects of eating grass on dogs
- allergic reactions – Some dogs may experience severe allergic reactions after eating grass, and the symptoms may be: inflammation, abdominal pain, itching skin, and red eyes.
- parasite infection – If they constantly eat grass they can deal with serious digestion problems and infect themselves with parasites.
- intestinal blockage – Even if the cases are rare, dogs may also experience gastrointestinal blockage or serious constipation if they aren’t stopped from eating grass.
Is it possible to stop your dog from eating grass?
Yes, it’s 100% possible but it may take some time. So, be patient! Follow the steps, found below, and come back later in the comments section, to tell us how it went.
- Improve their diet – make sure your dog has a balanced diet
- Increase fiber in their diet – make sure to talk to your vet in case your dog needs more fibers
- Limit their access to grass – distract their attention every time they want to eat grass
- Treat their medical conditions – do monthly check-ups to make sure that your dog is healthy
- Create a specially designed area for your dog – create a healthy environment, where eating grass is permitted;
Another way you should try if you want to stop your dog from eating grass is purchasing a new chewing toy. We recommend this one, which can be found on Amazon and has great reviews. Introducing these chew toys for dogs not only addresses your dog’s natural urge to chew but also aids in minimizing bacteria buildup and helps combat bad breath, serving as a dog teeth-cleaning toy.
When to call your vet
If your dog is excessively eating grass you must limit his access to grassy areas, especially when you are out for your daily walks. If your dog is experiencing other signs, such as pain, you should contact your veterinarian immediately! The most common signs your dog isn’t feeling well are diarrhea and vomiting.
But other signs it’s time to talk to a professional, include:
- the dog is feeling bad and doesn’t have the energy to play or even walk;
- the dog refuses to drink water;
- the dog deals with a poor appetite;
- the dog is passing blood in the stool.
Before leaving, check out another article about dogs: 13 Signs Your Dog Might Be Overprotecting You.
