Many pet owners are unsure why their dogs eat grass. In this blog post, our Redmond veterinarians will discuss what may be causing this behavior and how it affects a dog's health.
Why Dogs Eat Grass
Pet parents are often left confused, wondering why their dog seems to enjoy eating grass. Many dogs will eat grass, vomit, and then return to eating grass again.
Could this imply that 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 that's not true for all dogs. Most dogs eat grass without showing any signs or symptoms 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 require an appropriate amount of fiber to maintain a healthy digestive system. As omnivores, their well-being hinges on a balance of plants and high-quality meat. Consuming grass can provide dogs with roughage, aiding in food movement through their digestive tract.
However, if your dog is eating grass and experiencing stomach upset, this could indicate an underlying medical issue that requires diagnostic testing.
Dogs can suffer from various stomach and gastrointestinal problems, including conditions like pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. If your dog is eating grass and displaying symptoms like loss of appetite, reduced energy, diarrhea, or constipation, it's important to seek veterinary care for a thorough examination.
Ask your veterinarian what which food to feed your dog to help improve any digestion problems, and not make them worse. If your vet does recommend new food, transition to the new food gradually over time to avoid inadvertently upsetting your pup's stomach.
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. While most dogs enjoy being outside, some grow bored when alone and look for things to do to pass the time. Munching on readily available grass may be one of those activities that helps fill the hours.
Dogs also crave interaction with their humans and may attempt to get their owners' attention with inappropriate actions like eating grass if they feel neglected.
Additionally, anxious dogs eat grass as a comfort mechanism, similar to how nervous people chew their fingernails. Whether your pup is bored, lonely or anxious, it's often noted that grass eating increases as interaction time with owners decreases.
If your dog is bored, increasing the length, distance, or intensity of your pooch's walks could help reduce grass eating.
If your dog seems to suffer from 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.
Health Impact of Eating Grass
Eating grass is safe if your dog is otherwise healthy and on regular parasite prevention medication.
To help keep your dog's grass-nibbling pup healthy, ensure there are no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers on the grass your dog enjoys, as exposure to these can cause poisoning and health issues that require emergency veterinary care or a visit to your nearest emergency animal hospital.
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.