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Many dog owners will have witnessed their pups chowing down on grass only to throw it back up not long after. Understandably, this can ring alarm bells for pet parents, and leave them wondering why their dog is exhibiting such behavior. Is a dog eating grass normal or a sign that something is wrong?
It is not fully understood why dogs eat grass, though many speculate the reasons why. For the most part it has been found to be a common and usually harmless behavior amongst both domesticated and wild dogs, however it is important to be mindful of the risks that grass consumption can pose if not monitored closely.
In this blog we will take a look at the main theories as to why dogs eat grass, take a closer look at some of the myths about this behavior, as well as how to stop grass eating behavior.
Pica is the name given to a disorder in which an animal may eat things that are not considered food. Grass eating behavior in dogs and other household animals is actually very common, and is usually not anything to worry about - wild dogs have also been shown to exhibit such behaviors in their natural habitat.
So if you’re asking yourself, “why does my dog eat grass?” then the reasons may be more instinctive than you first thought.
While it is not truly known why dogs eat grass, there are several theories as to the cause of the behavior. It is thought dogs may eat grass as a way of making themselves vomit if they suspect they may be ill or have ingested something dangerous, thereby bringing up whatever is inside and making themselves feel better. And the same theory applies for what comes out the other end too!
It has been thought that eating grass could be a dog’s way of getting nutrients into their diet that may be lacking or missing, such as essential fiber.
Others believe eating grass may be instinctive behavior, or as a way of gaining attention from their owner; this may be more prevalent in puppies and younger dogs.
While it is still highly debated as to why dogs eat grass, there are several theories that have been thought to contribute to this behavior:
Dogs eating grass could be down to a natural instinct. It is thought that consuming grass might just be a natural part of a canine’s genetics as hunters and scavengers; this behavior has also been noted in wild dogs such as foxes, coyotes and wolves.
Dogs have been known to get up to all sorts of mischief when they are bored or want attention, and eating grass may be another way of entertaining themselves. If a dog knows they receive attention by exhibiting certain behaviors, they are more likely to continue doing them.
Dogs also explore the world with their mouths, particularly younger dogs, and so curiosity could be another contributing factor to grass eating behavior.
Eating grass is also thought to be a possible link to stress or anxiety in dogs. Dogs are often known to chew or lick things when they are stressed or upset, and so a lawn full of fresh grass may offer the same relief and nibbling on your favorite slippers!
When dogs eat grass it has been thought that they could be trying to remedy a digestive issue. Some experts believe that if a dog feels unwell or has ingested something that could be harmful, they will induce vomiting by eating grass. This has become a common thought as to why dogs eat grass, and has been considered to be an evolutionary behavior, however there is no real evidence to prove the theory to be true.
If your dog is regularly vomiting, whether they have consumed grass or not, it could be a sign of something more serious and should be investigated immediately.
Another theory is that dogs will eat grass if they are deficient in certain nutrients. Pica, a condition by which one ingests things that are not considered food items, can be an indicator that your dog’s diet may be lacking in certain areas. For example, grass is full of fiber which is vital to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.
A dog’s diet should be closely monitored, and if you are at all concerned about your dog’s nutritional health, always consult your vet.
It is very possible that your dog might just like to eat grass! They may find that grass offers them a variation in texture and taste compared with their regular diet, and the stimulation of this is exciting and delicious.
While your dog may be curious about exploring the array of new and exciting greenery in your garden, many plants are toxic to dogs, not to mention plants that may have been treated with pesticides. It is therefore vital to keep an eye on your pup’s outside snacking habits.
If you are concerned that your dog has ingested something that may be poisonous, always seek emergency medical attention.
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A popular theory as to why dogs eat grass is that they are doing it in order to make themselves throw up, perhaps due to an upset stomach or from ingesting something toxic.
While this seems to have become a common school of thought, several studies have shown that there seems to be little to no correlation between a dog eating grass and subsequent vomiting.
Throwing up after eating can be caused by any number of things, some more serious than others. If you notice regular vomiting behaviors in your dog, or if your dogs eat grass and then vomit often, consult your vet to rule out internal issues of plant/chemical poisoning.
Whenever our pets exhibit new or unusual behaviors we will always wonder ‘why do they do the things they do?’, ‘is it normal?’ and even ‘are they okay?’.
When it comes to eating grass, you can rest assured that more often than not it is a very common and normal thing for dogs to do. While there can be underlying reasons for the behavior, and dogs should be monitored carefully for additional symptoms or telling behaviors, most dogs will munch on grass at one point or another with no adverse effects.
We’ve seen time and again that eating grass seems to be a common and fairly regular occurrence in canine behavior, often with no impact on health.
However, while grass itself doesn’t tend to pose an issue, there are a few things to keep in mind when letting your pup sample the lawn:
While most general garden plants shouldn’t pose a problem if ingested by your dog, there are certain shrubs and flowers that can be toxic - always do your research and remove any threats if required.
If you or your neighbors use pesticides or other plant chemicals in the garden, it is important to keep your dog away from the infected areas as these can be extremely dangerous.
Wildlife such as snails and slugs can cause the spread of the parasite Lungworm in dogs if eaten; this condition has serious health implications.
If you are concerned about your dog eating grass and want to put a stop to the behavior, the best first step is to identify why they might be doing it. Always consult your vet about any concerns you may have, and once you have ruled out a more serious cause, you can work to treat the issue at home.
Dogs may eat or chew on grass if they are bored and lacking stimulation. Ensuring they get plenty of walks, playtimes and maybe even treat puzzles to keep them occupied can help reduce their urge to mow the lawn.
If you notice that your dog is displaying other symptoms or behaviors along with eating grass, it is always advised to contact your vet for further guidance. Vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, or constant and incessant grass eating could signify a more serious health issue and should be investigated immediately.
Though we may not have a definitive answer to the question ‘why do dogs eat grass?”, we know that for the most part it is a harmless behavior displayed by many dogs, and as long as a watchful eye is kept on them all should be well.
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