Have you ever taken your dog outside for a bathroom break and turned around to find him chewing a big mouthful of grass? While you may panic and think about vomiting that you will need to clean the carpet later, this behavior is not always a cause for concern. But why do they do it and how do you know it's actually a problem?
Why do dogs eat grass?
Some dog owners and veterinarians assume that eating grass is a form of pica, that is, sometimes eating strange things due to a lack of nutrition. Many nutritional deficiencies are due to a lack of vitamins, nutrients or minerals that are not available in the daily intake. For example, it may be your dog's way of getting more fiber, which helps him overcome gas and bowel movements, and support other bodily functions as well.
However, if a dog's diet is complete and balanced, then eating grass may not have anything to do with a deficiency, in fact, it may be instinct. Adaptation of the digestive system, nutritional needs and cravings of dogs to the lifestyle of domesticated dogs. While dogs in the wild do not get their main source of nutrients from grass, eating a whole animal provides optimal nutrition, especially when the animal's diet consists of various plants. Dogs are omnivores and have a natural desire to eat grass. This is part of their genetic makeup and they date back to the time they hunted their prey.
Of course, you can also enjoy the taste and texture of grass in your mouth, especially when new shoots of the grass appear for the first time in the spring.
Is eating grass bad for dogs?
Eating weed can be a sign that your dog is trying to relieve an upset stomach, and some puppies are vomiting soon after eating it. However, less than 25 percent of dogs actually vomit after eating grass and only 10 percent show signs of illness before eating grass, which likely means they don't eat it because they are sick. While it is usually not harmful to dogs, ingesting the grass can cause intestinal parasites that can be easily swallowed through animal feces and faeces. It is also important to know that herbicides and pesticides sprayed in your garden can be harmful to your little one.
When should you take action?
If you notice that your dog is eating grass frequently or excessively, you should be alert to possible underlying conditions that your dog is trying to treat on its own. Also look for vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, blood in the stool, lethargy, or lip licking.
Always keep an eye on your dog if there are indoor plants around as certain breeds can be poisonous if chewed or swallowed. While chewing grass is a common behavior for many dogs, you can wean your dog off this behavior to help him calm down.
It is always best to consult your vet if you think your dog may have chewed on a poisonous houseplant or may have ingested too many weeds or small amounts of chemicals. Your vet will be able to perform tests such as stool samples, blood tests, or even physical examinations to determine the underlying conditions. If your dog is asymptomatic, but you feel it has ingested a lot of weeds, make sure your dog drinks enough fluids and has enough time to rest. Before you begin to slowly feed your dog, let the dog fast for 8-12 hours. If your dog continues to show signs after 12 hours, see your vet.
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