Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Most dog owners will have noticed their dogs grazing on grass like a cow at some stage. This behavior surely appears to be rather odd to the uninitiated. After all, dogs are considered to be carnivores and grass is not a part of their staple diet. Most of the times, dogs regurgitate the grass and other contents of their stomach soon after ingestion. If you have ever wondered why dogs eat grass and want to know more about this habit of theirs, read on.
Are dogs true carnivores?
Dogs certainly enjoy eating meat, but they can not be considered truly carnivores in every sense of the word. Actually, they are hunters in their natural state and prefer to eat a wide variety of food stuff from different sources.
Why do dogs eat grass?
Grass eating is a common behavior that baffles many dog owners. There is not one simple answer to why dogs eat grass as different dogs eat grass for different reasons.
- Dogs are natural scavengers and are in constant search for nutrition. It is possible that your dog finds the flavor or texture of the grass yummy.
- Grass eating can be a boredom related behavior. It happens when the dog is not getting plenty of exercise and it starts considering munching on grass a better option to stave away boredom.
- It is believed that a dog facing a dietary imbalance will turn to grass eating. There may be some serious underlying illness that your dog is trying to self treat.
- Some dogs use grass as a way to clean their tummy after a bad tummy day. But its done only after some weeks and not on a regular basis.
- Some dogs graze on grass to ease the pain or discomfort of excessive stomach gas or clear the blockage in the digestive system.
Many veterinarians consider grass eating a normal dog behavior. For example, pet sitting professionals often consult their owners on the repercussions of such behavior. If your dog often seems distressed and there is a sudden increase in grass eating tendency, there may be an underlying veterinary condition at play. Make sure you consult your vet for assessment and diagnosis.
Is eating grass dangerous?
Eating grass is not dangerous to dogs at all as long as there are no dangerous fertilizers or pesticides present on the grass. Pet owners must keep an eye on the grass that the dog is eating. Additionally, inadvertent consumption of any insect, such as slug or snail, can be hazardous to your dog’s health.
Should I prevent or discourage my dog from eating grass?
The simple answer to this question is ”no”, as grass eating is a normal condition, even when accompanied by vomiting. Grass eating helps ease the digestive discomfort and is considered a natural way of detoxify the body when sick. Make sure you use only non-toxic products on your lawn grass. Try making some dietary changes and enrolling your dog in physical training or sport activities. Grass eating is a natural instinct and not a matter of concern albeit if done within limits.
