Shocking Reasons: Why Dogs Eat Grass?

More often than not, I see my dog chewing or chomping on random stuff. Be it toys, my hair or anything they can get their paws on! The other day, I caught my dogs eating grass. I got shocked and found out some reasons why dogs eat grass

A host of questions arise when we see them eating grass… Why is he eating grass? Is it safe? Must I do something about it right now? reasons why dogs eat grass ?

Let’s find out : Why dogs eat grass!

Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass

Reasons why dogs eat grass that are critical to health: –

Upset Stomach

Like us humans, dogs sense problems in digestive system. they tend to self-regulate it by eating grass.

With a 25% success rate, studies have observed dogs eating grass and vomiting, right after. Yet, it is interesting to note that in only 10% of the cases, dogs were unwell from before or displayed any symptoms.

Many believe this instinct is passed down to generations from their ancestors. Their predecessors, Wolves eat both their hunted prey and surrounding greens. That is an attempt of balancing their diets.

Nutritional Deficiency

Simply put, your canine might not be getting enough dog nutrition. like us humans, their tummies also need fiber rich foods. Fiber rich foods with water helps clean their pipes and keep their digestive system healthy.

This is further backed by a scientific experiment. This is about an 11 year old miniature poodle . For 7 years straight, every time he would go out, eat grass and vomit without fail. The hypothesis was that he does so for adding some fiber rich foods into his diet. It is because of the impurities in the grass itself. The vets suggested fiber rich foods for the poodle. Soon after, the dog behavior changed. He stopped eating grass at all and never vomited. This study showed us the possibility of nutritional deficiency.

Psychological Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

Dogs enjoy your company when you’re around. They enjoy being outdoors with you. When left alone, they tend to engage with the surroundings. Eating grass for them becomes a way to spend time. It is like their emotional fixation also known as pica behavior.

When you go out for an extended period of time is when they also get troubled. As if you have abandoned them and gone forever.

Even when you’re around and can’t give them your love and attention, they might rebel. . Eating grass could be their way of grabbing your attention. As they’re aware that you might stop them from doing so!

They Enjoy It 😛

This is one of the most obvious reasons why dogs eat grass. They eat grass because they like it :). They like its rich green color. They like its texture. They also like how it feels and tastes when they eat it.

Dorky Tip: Tips and facts provided in this post are for informational purposes only. For an expert diagnosis of your dog’s symptoms, do check in with your nearby veterinarian doctor

Dogs eating grass: Is it Safe?

Most experts and vets confirm that it is completely safe for them to eat lawn grass. It is one of the expected behaviors in dogs. Whilst it ok for them to eat grass, one must be alert of these possibilities.

They might ingest certain harmful parasites along with the grass. This can lead to blockage in their intestines and affect their well-being. . This is something we may must notice.

Fertilizers and Pesticides are also a factor. One must check if there are chemical fertilizers applied on the grass before our beloved dog eats it. These chemicals can be harmful to their digestive systems and cause eating disorders.

Dorky Tip: To keep them safe, ensure that the grass is chemical free and safe.

Should we let dogs eat grass? What can we do about it?

There is a lot we can do for them to avoid it. Following ways are healthy and non-habit forming.

Book an Appointment

You may observe prolonged symptoms like vomiting, Diarrhea, Weight Loss or bloody stool. Do book an appointment with your veterinarian. It is advisable not to take things in your hand when you notice these symptoms.

Work Out

It is a good idea for them to get some exercise. Dogs love outdoors and tossing a Frisbee or two will get them enough work out for the day. This releases the latent energy which might manifest itself as anxiety.

Dog Nutrition

A rich balanced diet is the key to their well-being. Experts suggest that it also helps in curbing their ‘pica behaviors’. Pica is which due to nutritional deficiencies. In general. Fiber rich foods are healthy and effective.

Detoxify the Grass

The grass they are grazing on needs to be clean. It must be free from harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Do keep an eye on the certain leaves and plants which can be harmful to dogs. To ensure the plants in your lawns are safe or not go check out the first link under reference section

Keep ’em hydrated!

If in case they chomp on too much grass and you notice it. Ensure that they get enough water throughout the day. Try and make them fast for 6-8 hours to let them digest it.

Conclusion

Our dogs may be little naïve but still dependent on us. One must be aware of certain change in behaviors. This leads to timely interventions and treatment. Eating grass is not that bad if done under controlled environment.

That’s all for now! Hope you learnt something out of it. We at Dorky Owl will feel proud if you share the love by sharing this piece of content on social media (Share buttons :P).

Do share your stories about with Dorky Owl your pets and how they sleep in Open Comments!

🐾🐾 Stay Healthy | Stay Pawsome 🐾🐾

👉👉Liked reasons why dogs eat grass, learn more about them by exploring deworming of dogs ◀️⏪

References

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/plants-may-poison-your-pets (first link under reference section)

https://www.wellpet.org/dog-eating-grass/

https://dharamsalaanimalrescue.org/why-is-my-dog-eating-grass-all-of-a-sudden/

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/plants-may-poison-your-pets

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/why-do-dogs-eat-grass#2