The dog eats grass: is this normal behavior?
Have you ever seen your dog eat grass? Find out where this instinct comes from and when it can pose a danger.
Have you ever seen your dog eating grass? All dogs do. Sometimes they eat it and swallow it, other times they tear it up to chew it a bit and then spit it out. Why do dogs eat grass? It's dangerous? What does this gesture mean? In this article you will find the answers to these questions. Also you will find out what are the dangers for dogs in the summer.
Why does the dog eat grass?
"Why does my dog eat grass?" You will ask yourself. Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Instinct
- His diet is not balanced
- His stomach hurts or he's sick
- He is bored
- He is anxious
1. Your dog is simply following his instincts:
Eating grass is a natural instinct. Hunting or foraging for food is natural for all dogs. In the past, dogs survived by eating grass and other plants, meat, bones and other waste they found in the vicinity of groups of humans.
Dogs are hunters by nature. They evolved by looking for food wherever they go. This allowed the dogs to survive and evolve through history. This instinct to forage for food and hunt prey is still strong today in some dog breeds.
So eating grass is a normal habit inherited from wild dogs of the past. Back then, to survive, these animals had to be adept at hunting. Over time, dogs have evolved and become omnivores, just like humans, and this explains their appetite for grass.
2. His diet is not balanced
If the dog is hungry, or if his diet is not well balanced, it is possible that he will start eating grass.
In fact, the grass contains vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are good for your four-legged friend.
If you notice that your dog starts chewing grass or other plants, try to consult a specialist to make sure that your puppy's diet is balanced. In fact, it may be appropriate to include cooked vegetables in his diet.
3. Your dog may have a stomach ache.
Sometimes eating grass could be a symptom of discomfort. The grass tickles the throat and causes the vomiting reaction. Your dog is probably trying to get rid of something and this remedy helps him feel better.
Monitor your dog if he starts eating grass all the time, as this could indicate a more serious illness your puppy is trying to cure on his own!
Less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass.
4. Your dog is simply bored.
Dogs are active and curious creatures by nature and get bored quickly if they are not stimulated with interesting activities. Dogs start chewing on things (like socks) when they are bored and need to do something. So another reason why dogs eat grass is because it's fun!
Does your dog eat grass because he is bored? The solution is simple! Try to keep him busy with new activities. This can mean longer walks, various outdoor activities or more time dedicated to play. You can set a goal and make sure both you and your dog stay in shape using a Tractive GPS Tracker and Dog Activity Tracker.
Your dog needs to be entertained. Especially if you have a puppy, play is essential for its proper development.
5. Your four-legged friend is anxious.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, eating grass can be a way to deal with this feeling.Try to spend more time with your puppy or leave items that belong to you (that smell like you) with him when you need to leave. This can calm the habit of chewing and eating grass.
Can I make my dog eat grass?
Now that you know all the reasons, the question arises: can I make my dog eat grass?
In many cases, weed is healthy and not dangerous. But before letting your dog free to attach itself to the grass, it is good to know that there are cases where it could be dangerous. To help you avoid these situations, let's see what these cases are.
Is it dangerous if my dog eats grass?
The grass is not in itself poisonous to dogs. Regardless of what the reason is (it can be different from dog to dog or a combination of multiple reasons), this is a common behavior for all dogs.
The grass itself is not dangerous, but sometimes the blades of grass can get stuck in the dog's throat. If your dog becomes restless after eating grass or puts his paws on his mouth, check if grass clippings are the cause.
Eating grass is not dangerous, but it is good to keep in mind that some pesticides used on lawns can be poisonous if ingested.
Grass can be dangerous if there are fertilizers or pesticides or other chemicals.
If you don't know if the area your puppy is in is free from fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals, don't let him eat the grass. Also some types of plants can be poisonous to animals!
When to worry if your dog eats grass
If you notice your dog eating grass excessively or more frequently than usual, contact your veterinarian. Also you should contact a professional if your dog exhibits the following symptoms:
- excessive consumption of weed
- He retched
- diarrhea
- lack of appetite
- weight decrease
- I made with blood
- fatigue