Chances are you’ve caught your pup nibbling on grass in your backyard or on walks around the neighborhood. While it may seem a little odd, it’s actually completely instinctive! Let’s check out some of the reasons why your dog could be eating grass and when it may be a sign that your pet should take a trip to the vet.
SO, WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?
While it may have us scratching our heads, your pooch likely has one of these rational reasons behind the quirky behavior. If you think about it, dogs explore the world through their mouths, and usually have easy access to grass.
SOME COMMON THEORIES ON WHY DOGS EAT GRASS
Your dog likes the taste and/or texture of grass
Canines may find the grass interesting to explore
It’s an instinctual behavior to help add fiber to diet and aid in digestion - yep, your pup is that smart!
EATING GRASS MAY BE CAUSED BY PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Stress or boredom — you read that right. If dogs don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may resort to chewing on grass to keep themselves occupied or relieve anxiety. That’s why it’s important to monitor your pup’s behavior and provide adequate exercise and enrichment activities to keep their minds busy, which we’ll explore a little further down the blog.
HEALTH CONCERNS ABOUT DOGS EATING GRASS
While chewing on grass is usually not a big deal, excessive grass eating should not be ignored. It can be a sign of gastrointestinal issues or a nutritional deficiency. So, if you notice your doggo eating grass more than normal or showing signs of discomfort, give your primary care vet a call and have them take a look at your dog. And remember that your local VEG is here 24/7 in case your dog is in pain or vomiting from eating grass.
POSSIBLE DIGESTIVE BENEFITS
In some cases, eating grass can actually help your dog to vomit and relieve an upset stomach. While this may be a smart self-treatment strategy, it’s still important to consult with VEG if your dog is vomiting to understand the underlying cause of their discomfort.
WAYS TO PREVENT CANINES FROM EXCESSIVE GRASS EATING
PROVIDE A BALANCED DIET
Your dog sure can chow down throughout the day! And making sure that your pup is eating a balanced, nutrient-filled diet can help reduce the need to seek out additional fiber or minerals from grass. Getting regular check-ups with your primary care vet can help you come up with a diet tailored specifically to your dog’s age, breed, and health condition.
ADD MORE EXERCISE IN YOUR DOG’S DAILY ROUTINE
Who loves to exercise? Your dog! Most dogs love being active, especially if their favorite human (you!) play a part in the routine. Regular physical activity and providing mental stimulation can significantly reduce boredom or anxiety-related behaviors, like eating grass. Some great ways of engaging your pup and getting more exercise in your dog’s routine include:
Interactive toys - dog-safe toys that squeak or move are always a hit
Regular playtime - throw that Frisbee, ball, or stick and watch Fido have a blast retrieving it…or just staring at it. Really depends on the breed!
Training sessions - whether it’s teaching your dog to heel or correcting some behavioral problems, a good trainer will make it a pleasant experience for your dog
VEG OFFERS 24-HOUR EMERGENCY CARE FOR DOGS
Interested in knowing what triggers your dog to eat grass? Call your primary care vet and they’ll help you determine the cause. Or need to treat any underlying conditions? Call or stop in at a VEG animal hospital near you. We’re open 24/7, even on holidays. Our experienced emergency veterinarians and vet staff know just what it takes to ensure wagging tails and happy trails for your dog!
