When you turned your back after taking your dog outside for a pee break, did you ever find your dog with a big mouthful of grass? This behavior isn't necessarily alarming, even though you might freak out and start worrying about the vomit you'll have to clean up later off the carpet. However, why do they do it, and how can you tell when anything is wrong? Is it possible to stop dogs from eating grass?
Is there a reason why dogs eat grass?
Is there a reason why dogs eat grass?
Dogs see grass as a delicacy for a number of reasons. Among them are:
1 - Nutritional Inadequacy
Certain dog owners and vets believe that eating grass is a type of pica, which is the ingestion of objects that are not food. A nutrition deficiency can occasionally be the cause of this illness. A large number of these deficits stem from inadequate daily consumption of vitamins, nutrients, or minerals.
If your dog eats grass on a regular basis, you should talk to your veterinarian about changing their food. For dogs that are fed a nutritious diet, this shouldn't be an issue.
2 - Fiber Requirement
Another way that eating grass may help your dog obtain more fiber is by passing stool, aiding in digestion, and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Switching to a higher-fiber diet could be beneficial.
3 - Innate
Consuming grass might not be associated with any shortfall at all if a dog is consuming a balanced and complete diet. It could just be instinct. Dogs' food requirements, desires, and digestive systems have changed to suit their domesticated existence.
Even though grass wasn't the primary source of nutrition for canines in the wild, consuming an animal whole offered an ideal diet, particularly if the animal's diet was primarily composed of plants. Maybe it's a genetic trait from their days of hunting their own prey that makes them naturally seek grass.
4 - Serves as an antacid.
An energetic little dog was eating a well-balanced diet when they developed unusual behavior. She would eat every bit of grass as she could frantically till she threw some of the yellow froth when she went outdoors early in the morning. She was energized and eager to start her morning two-mile run after that.
5 - Boredom
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to be allowed to let the dog play in your fenced backyard. However, the majority of dogs would prefer your company. It's possible that they are merely bored if they are lounging in the garden by themselves and nibbling on grass. A combination of exercise, positive reward training, and spending quality time outside throwing balls with your dog can help you stop the behavior.
6 - Delicious Treat
Of course, sometimes, especially in the spring when fresh grass is just beginning to emerge or when the dog is thirsty, they just like the taste and feel of fragrant, moist grass between their lips. To quench your dog's thirst, provide a bowl of cold, fresh water outside at all times.
Is it bad for dogs to eat grass?
If your dog is eating grass, it can be an indication that they are trying to settle an unsettled stomach. Sure, some dogs do throw up right after they consume it. However, only around 22% of the dogs investigated frequently vomited after eating grass, while only 9% frequently displayed symptoms of illness before eating grass. The researchers came to the conclusion that domestic dogs' habit of chewing grass and plants is normal.
However, sometimes harmless actions can also be destructive. Pesticides and herbicides that are hazardous to dogs can be used to treat grass. Dogs who consume grass may also swallow intestinal parasites from animal feces, such as roundworms and hookworms. In order to check for parasites or toxicity in both situations, your veterinarian might wish to do assessments using fecal samples or blood testing. Read This: Does a dog typically eat grass and dirt?
If you observe that your dog is eating grass more often or in excess, keep an eye out for any underlying medical conditions that might be the source of the behavior. Look for symptoms such as lip-licking, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, and bloody stools.
Ways to Prevent Your Dog From Consuming Grass
1: Try to keep the dog from eating grass if at all possible, especially if it isn't growing on your land. Even if chewing on the grass is a normal habit, you may teach your dog to be more calm. Go outdoors with your dog and teach them to "leave it" until you are certain they have broken the behavior. When you have houseplants around, keep an eye on your dog because some kinds can be deadly if chewed on or consumed. If you suspect that your dog may have consumed too much grass or chewed on a poisonous houseplant, it is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian. Create a garden that is safe for dogs instead of using toxic chemicals or fertilizers.
2: Give the dog smaller, more frequently scheduled meals; this goes especially for early morning feedings. Think about using various items, like a deterrent spray, to teach your dog where it is acceptable and unacceptable to go. For food and digestive supplement suggestions that are best suited to your dog's age, breed, or activity level, speak with the vet or a vet's nutritionist. Play fetch with your dog or offer him a secure chew toy when you let him out in the yard.
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