The first thing that we would like you to know that eating grass is not harmful to your dog. To be precise, it is quite a common attribute that a lot of dogs share. A lot of studies are going through regarding this behavior of dogs, and those studies are stating various things. For instance, we have a notion that dogs eat grass to puke. However, studies claim that less than 25% of dogs don’t vomit after grazing. Besides, other studies suggest that they may do it to improve their digestive functions.
So, if you are worried about your dog’s behavior and thinking why does my dog eat grass, look nowhere else. We will discuss this feature of dogs and will try to seek the answers to this behavior. We assure you that going through this conversation will help you a lot to comprehend your dog’s deportment.
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What are the reasons that my dog eats grass?
We have already discussed that plenty of studies are going through regarding this behavior of dogs. So, the experts are coming up with various theories behind this manner of dogs. So, let us check those probable reasons why your dog eats grass.
Theory 1
The first theory suggests that dogs eat grass when they are feeling nauseated. In fact, most of the people consider this theory to be true. However, multiple experiments claimed that this theory is not up to the mark. The experiments suggest that only 8% of dogs were sick prior to eating grass. So, you can see that the result of the experiment is not supporting this popular belief. But some people will not agree with this.
Theory 2
Maybe, your dog is eating grass because it is funny to it. Also, they find it to be a rewarding behavior. Moreover, there is a possibility that while eating grass, your dog’s brain is stimulating dopamine. Why? Because they find this activity to be funny as well as rewarding. One thing you have to understand eating and appetite are two different things. Some complex chemicals are associated with these activities. Whenever your dog is hungry, it will never eat grass to suppress its hunger. But eating grass can bring pleasure to your dog.
Theory 3
There is another theory that suggests that dogs inherited this behavior from their ancestors. Yes, you heard it, right? A lot of animal behavior experts and researchers claimed that the wild ancestors of the dogs always preferred the prey that comprises plant matters to their bowels. And that could be the reason why they seek plants. Like humans, the dogs became omnivores as well. So, there is a possibility that they have an appetite for plants as well.
Theory 4
Again, a group of people thinks that eating grass signifies the dietary deficiency of the dogs. But some of the experts declined this theory after conducting their experiment. They fed a variety of foods to dogs and observed them for some time. After observation, they came to the point that there is no relation between dietary deficiency and eating grass. In case if you don’t want to worry about deficiency, make sure to feed your dog with a high-quality, balanced diet.
Theory 5
Now, this is one of the most interesting as well as significant theories that exists. Well, this theory proposes that eating grass enhances the intestinal motility of the dogs. The grass helps the dogs to get rid of intestinal parasites. We know that you took all the steps to get rid of parasites. However, it is their instinct that is driving them to eat grass.
So, these are some of the theories that you can look into. Amongst these five theories, the second and fifth theory is the most probable theories that you can accept.
Is it okay for a dog to eat grass?
In our early discussion, we said that eating grass is quite a common behavior for dogs. Most veterinary doctors consider this behavior to be normal. Besides, you don’t have to worry about anything, as eating grass will not make your dog sick. Also, there will be no health complications if your dog eats grass.
There is a possibility that grazing can serve the purpose of fulfilling some digestive needs of your dog. For instance, it is essential to incorporate roughage into your dog’s diet. And the grass is an amazing source of fiber. If there is no sufficient roughage in your dog’s diet, it will hamper its digestion. Besides, your dog will find it hard to pass its stool.
If you see that your dog is vomiting after eating grass, and it is okay, then you can make sure that everything is fine. Your dog took care of the thing that was bothering it.
Why do dogs eat grass and then vomit?
Eating and then vomiting can be considered as the instinctive behavior of a dog. Well, there is a possibility that your dog is suffering from an upset stomach. During that time, their instinct will tell them to throw up. The dogs that are eating grass for the purpose of vomiting will not even chew the grass. They will try to swallow it as quickly as possible. And after that, they will throw up to get relief.
However, they don’t always throw up after eating grass. We already started the fact that less than 25% of dogs don’t throw up after eating. There can be various reasons for which you will witness them eating grass. Some of the reasons for which your dog may eat grass are digestion improvement, getting rid of intestinal worms, as well as extracting fibers.
If your dog is eating grass, there is no risk. However, you have to keep an eye on your dog. In case, if you see that the grass eating tendency of your dog is increasing, it can be a symptom of underlying illness. Besides, it is vital to monitor your teething puppy. Eating too much grass can create a blockage.
Should I stop my dog from eating grass, and how?
If you see that your dog is eating grass, there is no need to worry about it. There will be no deterioration in its health. But, if you see that your dog is eating too much grass, you should keep an eye on your dog. There is a possibility that it is suffering from some illness, and for that reason, it is eating too much grass. During that time, the best option for you is to visit a vet. They are the best person to guide you in this matter.
If the vet suggests that you should stop your dog from eating grass, you have to do it immediately. Now, we can understand that it is a bit tough job to stop your dog from eating grass. However, if you can take the proper steps, you can accomplish that.
Also, there is a possibility that your dog is eating grass when you are not walking or playing with your dog. It is nothing but boredom that is compelling your dog to chew grass. During that time, what you have to do is to bring some strong and chewy toys on the boards. They will chew their toys to pass their time. And in the meantime, its behavior of eating grass will go away. Also, if possible, try to spend some quality time on your dog. It will also prevent them from chewing grass.
Also, if you can make some adjustments in their food habit, it will help you to get rid of their grass-eating habit. Maybe, they are eating grass for their nutritional deficiency. But, if the nutrients are adjusted, there will be no issues.
When to take your dog to the vet?
By now, you must know that eating grass is not harmful to your dog. But, if you see that they are constantly eating grass and vomiting, you should get in touch with a vet immediately. There is a possibility that your dog has some underlying disease. To be precise, if you are concerned about your dog’s grass-eating, the best option is to get in touch with a vet.
If you see that your dog is ingesting foreign elements compulsively, there is a possibility that they have Pica. Pica is a health issue of dogs. If your dog is suffering from Pica, you will witness that your dog is craving for the things that are not considered as food. For instance, your dog will crave dirt, cloth, garbage, as well as paper.
If you keep Pica unattended, it may lead to various health issues like digestive and nutritional issues. So, take care of it as soon as possible.
Therefore, eating grass is not a big deal unless it indicates any major health issues. So, if your dog is eating grass, don’t bother much about it. Yes, it is important for you to monitor your dog as we have discussed that eating grass can be a signal of multiple health issues for your dog.
