Company of Animals

Why do dogs eat grass?

Puppy,Eating,Grass,Outside,In,Backyard.,

Being out and about exploring is often the best part of a dog’s day. Their natural curiosity and quirks are what makes them unique, and yet, so many of us googled the reasons why our dogs have taken a liking to the green stuff which, to many, seems odd? In this blog post, we’ll explore several explanations for this peculiar behaviour.

Self-medication?

One of the most common theories for why dogs eat grass is that they do it to soothe an upset stomach. Often referred to as the “self-medication”, the idea is that dogs instinctively know that consuming grass can help them relieve digestive discomfort or induce vomiting. While this may seem like cause for concern, it can be a very good thing for your dog’s health. Vomiting can help your dog expel other, more harmful substances or irritants from their stomach and thus prevent further damage or illness. If you think this may be the case for your dog, take comfort in their instincts and monitor behaviour for signs that may require veterinary intervention.

Boredom related?

In some cases, dogs eat grass to stave off boredom or anxiety. Like us, dogs are social creatures that thrive on variety, stimulation and interaction. Veterinarians will also tell you that grass is a source of fibre so even if your dog isn’t feeling sick, they may still enjoy the occasional grass snack. Perhaps you could explore adding more greens, fibre, or variation into their diet to help regulate the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements? You may want to re-evaluate whether your is getting enough mental or physical exercise? Either way, it’s important to provide your dog with nutritional diversity and opportunities for play and exercise, as well as to address any underlying anxiety or behaviour issues that may be contributing to their grass-eating behaviour.

Simply delicious?

The remaining possibility for sudden turf tasting may be that your pet simply enjoys it. Dogs have a diverse palate and may find grass to be a tasty treat. One dog’s pee or poop patch is another dog’s delicatessen!

Extra considerations

It is important to monitor your dog’s grass-eating behaviour to ensure that they’re not consuming toxic or harmful substances. For example, not all grass is safe for dogs to eat. Grass that has been treated with pesticides or herbicides, can be harmful to your dog’s health. If you suspect that your dog has consumed toxic grass, it is essential you contact your veterinarian. They can provide you with guidance on how to best treat your dog and prevent further harm.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about your dog’s grass-eating behaviour, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues. Ultimately, as long as your dog is happy, healthy, and safe, there’s no need to worry too much about their grass-eating habits.

 

Why do dogs eat grass? ~