Why Dogs Eat Grass and What to Do About It
It's prevalent for dogs to eat grass, and it's something most dogs do, at least occasionally. The first step in understanding why they do it is to differentiate between dogs who nibble on the occasional blade of grass here and there (no biggie) and those who make a meal of it each time they go outside (a little more concerning).
Common Reasons of grass eating in dogs
There are many reasons why dogs eat grass.
1) Stomach upset
Some dogs eat grass to treat their gastrointestinal upset, vomiting it up a few minutes later.
2) Sickness urges
Dogs have an instinctual urge to vomit when they feel sick. Eating grass may be a way for them to trigger that urge without actually eating anything harmful, such as feces or rotten food.
3) Boredom/Anxiety
If your dog is bored, he may just be looking for something to do. Or he may be fulfilling a habitual behavior, such as going outside and eating grass every afternoon after work.
4) Need for fibre
Eating grass could also be your dog’s way of getting more fiber, which helps them digest their food, pass stool, and keep their digstive system healthy. A change to food with a higher-fiber content may help.
5) Curiosity
Some dogs just like the taste of grass — although it's not usually a favorite snack! Your dog might even eat grass because it's fun to chew on and play with more than he likes its taste.
How to prevent your dog from eating grass?
- If you think your dog's obsession with grass is related to an upset stomach, try giving him some food or drink before letting him out into the yard. A full stomach may discourage him from grazing on grass, and he'll be more likely to do his business first and then go back inside.
- If your dog is eating grass because it's bored or stressed, you have to startdaily exercise of 15-20 minutes. It might be time to enroll your dog in doggy daycare or get a pet sitter to help keep him entertained while you're away.
- If your pup loves the taste or texture of leaves, consider adding dog-friendly herbs and vegetables into their diets, such as carrots, peas, and celery. You could even plant a dog-friendly herb garden.
- If you think your dog might be missing certain nutrients in his diet, then provide proper nutrition and supplements to fulfill your doggo body mineral requirements.
Final Word!
If your dog is healthy and eats a complete and balanced diet, eating small amounts of grass may not be a problem. However, if your dog eats large amounts of grass or starts to vomit after eating, you need to take action.
Dr Sadia, DMV
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