WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?

"Why do dogs eat grass?" If you're a dog owner, you've likely asked this question as you’ve watched your doggo munch on some lush green bits of lawn. 

Turns out, dogs eat grass for many reasons such as boredom or a need for extra nutrients. There are several reasons dogs enjoy this green snack. 

Below, we'll uncover the facts and dive into what it really means when your pup munches on grass. Let's get to the bottom of what does dog eating grass means.

SHOULD YOU LET YOUR DOG EAT GRASS?

First things first, should you be concerned about “why does my dog keep eating grass?” Generally, there's no need for concern if it's done in moderation. Like most things in life, it's usually okay in small amounts.

It is “im-paw-tant” to note that your dog’s salad should be free of any harmful pesticides or fertilizers. This is a firm no-no for any grazing! So, if your dog is fit and healthy, there shouldn’t be any immediate alarm bells.

Another point that we should address is that your dog eating grass can be a sign of an upset stomach. Some pups will vomit immediately after. Our biggest concern is intestinal parasites that dogs can pick up from the grass. Animal droppings can be extremely harmful to our pooches, and they may even pick up traces of toxoplasmosis. 

With all of that in mind, we see no urgent reasons for you to stop your dog’s grazing. However, we do recommend being mindful of how your dog acts before and after grazing, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

5 REASONS WHY YOUR DOG KEEPS EATING GRASS

When it comes to dogs with behavior problems, this one can be the most mind-boggling. Is your dog eating grass because it’s sick? Or is it just bored? Or maybe it’s just sick of all the yummy kibble you’re giving it! Dogs...am I right? 

All jokes aside, here are the 5 main reasons behind why dogs eat grass:

If that is the case, you may want to investigate further and even take a trip to the vet if need be. On the other hand, if they eat grass, vomit, and return to their usual selves, there should be little reason to worry.

2. Your Dog is Feeling Overwhelmed

Is your dog showing signs of anxiety, nervousness, and/or stress? It could be the reason behind their snacking habits! 

Some vets believe that our furry friends turn to their backyard to get their owner’s attention. If they’re bored or overwhelmed, it’s a way of soothing themselves in a way. 

Now, if we had to look at “hooman” behavior - this tracks. Nervous snacking is a thing for both “hoomans” and doggos! Think about it: how many times have you reached for the cookies or pretzels just because you were bored? 

3. Your Dog Has A Nutritional Deficiency

If your pup isn’t getting a well-balanced diet, you might notice them munching on grass as a way to make up for any missing nutrients or minerals. 

Dogs sometimes do this to balance their diet, much like how we might crave certain foods when our bodies need something specific. If you’re concerned that your furry friend might be lacking some essential nutrients, it’s a good idea to visit your vet. 

They can help figure out what’s missing and recommend the best way to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. After all, a well-fed pup is a happy pup!

4. Your Dog has Pica

Did you know that some pups can develop a condition called pica? It's when they just can't resist chewing and munching on non-food stuff! According to the American Kennel Club, it's like snacking on things that offer zero nutritional value. 

This could be one of the reasons why dogs sometimes turn to grass munching! So, if your furry friend has a penchant for nibbling on the lawn, it might be worth considering if they're experiencing any underlying health issues like pica.

If your dog is getting into mischief, it might be a good idea to put up a pet gate. This way, you can keep them out of rooms and areas where they might chew on things they shouldn't.  But don't worry too much—most dogs just enjoy the taste or texture of grass and aren't necessarily dealing with pica.

5. Your Dog Is Bored

Ever noticed that your dog chews grass? Well, it could be because they're feeling a tad bored! Yup, just like us, dogs can get a bit stir-crazy sometimes. And when they're in need of a little excitement, what better way to spice things up than with a grassy snack? It's like their version of popcorn during movie night! If this sounds like your pup, consider putting up dog gates for your house to keep them from accessing the lawn unsupervised.

WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS AND THROW UP

It seems like your dog has a rather unique approach to grass munching—they're doing it with a purpose! While it might seem strange, some dogs actually eat grass to vomit. It's like their way of self-medicating when they're feeling a bit queasy. By munching on grass, they're able to tickle their stomach lining and trigger the gag reflex, helping them to expel whatever's bothering their tummy. It's a bit unconventional, but hey, dogs can be pretty resourceful when it comes to looking after themselves! So, if your furry friend is one of these grass-vomiting enthusiasts, just make sure they're not overdoing it and keep an eye on their overall health and well-being.

WHY DOES MY DOG EAT GRASS EVERY DAY? SHOULD I WORRY?

CONCLUSION

So, there you have it! While it may seem puzzling “why does my dog eat grass”, your dog’s grass-eating habit can stem from various reasons, ranging from boredom and nutritional deficiencies to simply enjoying the texture. In most cases, it’s harmless, but always keep an eye on their behavior and health. If your furry friend is eating grass excessively or seems unwell, a visit to the vet is a good idea to rule out any underlying issues. Remember, understanding these quirky habits helps us ensure our dogs stay happy and healthy. After all, they’re more than pets—they’re family!