Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? Similar to cows, most dogs will eat grass when they are outside. But is it normal for your dog to be eating grass? Should you be worried? Well rest assured, we have the answers to your questions!
First, your not alone in your concern. A lot of dogs eat grass, and some even vomit after. Dogs munching on grass is quite common, and does not usually cause too many problems. In fact, most veterinarians consider it a normal dog behavior. Pica is the technical term for the disorder characterized by eating things that aren’t food. Pica could indicate that your dog has some type of nutritional deficiency, but it is often simply a sign of boredom, especially in puppies and younger dogs.
Why is My Dog Eating Grass?
There are a variety of reasons why your dog is eating grass.
Some people think dogs eat grass when they don’t feel well as a way to make themselves vomit, then feel better. Others dispute this idea because dogs are not proven to be smart enough to treat an upset stomach with grass. Evidence suggests that most dogs that eat grass aren’t unwell beforehand, or at least don’t seem so. And grass-eating doesn’t usually lead to throwing up.
Other suggested reasons include improving digestion, treating intestinal worms, or fulfilling unmet nutritional needs, including the need for fiber.
One published study reports on a miniature poodle that ate grass and then vomited for every day for seven years. Three days after putting the dog on a high-fiber diet, the owner reported that his dog stopped eating grass entirely.
On the other hand, there’s a possibility your dog likes the way grass tastes.
Should I Stop My Dog From Eating Grass?
Most experts say that eating grass isn’t harmful. But one thing to keep in mind is that certain herbicides and pesticides used on lawns can be toxic, especially if ingested. Moreover, a number of common house and garden plants are toxic, which can lead to problems if your dog munches on them along with the lawn.
If you believe that your dog’s behavior is caused by a nutritional deficiency, try switching to a high fiber dog food. In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to what your dog is digesting, as it can signal to possible health issues.