Why Dogs Eat Grass And Is It Harmful?
Why do dogs eat grass? Your beloved canine companion clearly isn’t a cow, so you might be confused when you see him eating grass. You might even be worried. Are they hungry? Bored? Sick? Will eating grass hurt them? First, rest assured that you’re not alone in your concern, especially if your dog is eating grass and vomiting. Statistical findings support the perspective that plant eating is normal behavior among domestic dogs. Pica is the technical term for the disorder characterized by eating things that aren’t food. Though it's important to understand why your dog may be displaying this behavior so that you can address it if needed. Sometimes pica indicates that your dog has some type of nutritional deficiency, though it is often simply a sign of boredom, especially when practiced by puppies and younger dogs.
Dogs eating grass is actually quite common (it has been observed in wild dogs, too, and may be completely natural) and this form of pica does not usually cause too many problems. In fact, most veterinarians consider it a normal dog behavior. Here are a few reasons why your dog may be eating grass.
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Reason Number 1
Your dog needs to clear his throat by vomiting. In many cases the dog isn't actually throwing up. Evidence suggests that most dogs that eat grass aren’t unwell beforehand, or at least they don’t seem so. In fact, fewer than 10% of dogs seem to be sick before eating grass, according to their owners. Canines cannot clear their throats so they often swallow grass because it helps the frothy stuff that collects in their throat to come up. When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining; this sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.
Reason Number Two
Eating grass as a form of entertainment. If this is the case your dog needs to exercise more. Often perhaps a walk or provide them with toys to pass the time. In other words give your dog something to do or play with. If you suspect your dog is eating grass because they are bored, it might be beneficial to be sure they're getting enough exercise. Engage them in some fun activities. Try tossing a Frisbee or playing another interactive game with them.
Reason Number Three
Your dog likes the texture or taste of grass. They may just like the way it tastes. It is as delicious to them as the salad is to you. Remember, dogs enjoy all sorts of things that disgust the human palate—dirty socks and gristle from the trash can, anyone?
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Reason Number Four
Your dog may be self-medicating by seeking a remedy for a gassy or upset stomach. Your dog may have a feeling of nausea and eats grass as a solution for his stomach irritation. It does seem like dogs will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass may do the trick. There is little nutritional value in grass for them because dogs cannot digest it. It's worth calling your vet if your dog doesn't normally display this behavior and just suddenly started eating grass to rule out any intestinal issues that can potentially be serious. Your veterinarian can determine whether your dog has an underlying gastrointestinal disease with a physical exam, fecal exam, and blood tests including a blood count and chemistry panel.
Top 3 Tips to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Grass
Tip Number One
Tip Number Two
Ensure your dog has a balanced nutritional diet and that he gets enough to eat and drink. On the chance that your dog’s pica behavior is caused by a nutritional deficiency, switching to a better dog food, especially a high-fiber variety, could help alleviate the problem.
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Tip Number Three
If the eating of grass is not sudden or excessive then don't fret it's normal dog behavior and not necessarily a bad thing. Remember that grass-eating is a common dog behavior that usually occurs in normal dogs and is generally not associated with illness or dietary needs. Signs of illness are infrequent and vomiting afterward is also not common.
Most experts say that letting your dog eat grass poses no real risk. But do keep an eye on it, especially if there is a sudden increase in grass eating; it could be a sign of an underlying illness. And always monitor a teething puppy, because ingesting a lot leaves, grass, and sticks can lead to a blockage. So when should you call your veterinarian? If your pet experiences lethargy, diarrhea, weight loss concurrent with grass-induced vomiting, they should see the vet. If not, you can probably rest easy knowing that your dog is just doing what dogs do.
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