Dogs are known for their curious behaviors and explore nature with their mouth and nose. Their behaviors can puzzle their owners. The habit of eating grass is quite common and raises several questions and concerns about it. Understanding why dogs eat grass can help us to understand their behavior as well as further insights so that we can take steps in this regard.
Why do dogs eat grass?
Dogs eat grass that is related to something biological and can sometimes be psychological. It can be related to stomach issues, any hurdle in the digestive tract, or lack of nutrition. They also eat grass when are anxious, feeling alone, depressed, or there is a possibility that dogs are eating grass due to their texture or by seeing other animals eating grass.
Let’s discuss in detail that who do dogs eat grass.
1. Upset stomach
Some veterinarians suggest that dogs eat due to any gastrointestinal disease or inflamed stomach. They believe that eating grass by dogs is related to something biological and they consume grass to induce vomit.
2. Hurdle in the digestive tract
According to Dr. Clayton Greenway, when there is any hurdle in the digestive tract that causes indigestion dogs need something that pushes food. For the sake of purpose, they chew grass. This hurdle can be a parasite in their stomach. So if your dog is eating grass, consult him with a veterinarian doctor.
Plants contain chlorophyll which is a green pigment. Chlorophyll reduces inflammation and sets up the stomach, that’s why dogs showed up such behavior.
3. Lack of nutrition
An adult dog’s diet must contain:
● 50% of carbohydrates including 2.5%-4.5% of fiber
● 5.5% of fats
● 10% of protein
When any portion of the nutrient is missed, dogs show abnormal behavior. Dogs need fiber to digest food properly. Eating grass can be an indication of to lack of fiber in their diet. So if you are feeding too much to your dog and still they are eating grass, there are chances that their diet is lacking fiber. So change their diet otherwise too much consumption of grass can cause constipation.
4. They are anxious
Eating grass serves as a coping mechanism and self-soothing activity. If your dog starts eating grass, he can be anxious. If anxiousness and loneliness are the cause of this behavior, then other signs can also occur in your dog. Let’s observe him if:
● He has a destructive behavior
● His ear pulled down or back
● Excessive barking
● Licking lips
● Panting
● His white of the eyes showing
Along with these behaviors, if he is eating grass then your dog is anxious. Spend time with him, and play with him instead of allowing him to eat grass.
5. Boredom
If your dog is eating grass, there is a possibility that your dog lacks your attention, gets bored, lacks physical stimulation, and dealing with loneliness. Eating grass is an alternative to dogs to cover up their loneliness and boredom. If such things are happening, then spend time with them, and play with them. They are animals and they need attention for their health. Lacking time and attention can have adverse effects on their health.
6. Taste and texture of grass
Eating grass can be a normal behavior. The texture and taste of grass sometimes attract the dogs. Each type of dog is attracted to a different type of grass. Dogs find it pleasurable to chew and feel the sensation of grass.
7. Modeling
It is an attitude of social learning. When dogs start socializing, they observe and follow other animals’ behavioral patterns in their surrounding. So eating grass does not always cause any biological or psychological issues. It can be a part of learning and exploration.
8. Exploration
Dogs usually have curious behavior. They like to explore nature, their owner’s behavior, other animals’ behavior in their surrounding, and much more. So for the sake of exploration, dogs usually eat, chew, and feel the sensation of grass.
Precautions
If your dog is eating grass, certain things you should notice for your dog’s health.
Toxic plants:
All plants are not for eating. Some plants are toxic and can be dangerous for your dog. Some toxic plants can make your dog sick while some can kill your dog. So keep observing which type of plant is your dog eating.
Frequent vomiting:
if your dog suddenly vomits after eating grass, this is surely a biological issue. Consult immediately with the veterinarian.
FAQ’s
Is eating grass safe for the dogs?
Ans. Yes, it is usually safe for the dogs but make sure that there are no herbicides, pesticides, or any kind of fertilizer used on plants that your dog is enjoying. Otherwise, it could cause serious issues.
Can grass cause health issues?
Ans. Usually, it does not happen but if your dog already has any problem then it can cause vomiting. If your dog is suffering from any stomach disease, then after eating grass he will vomit. In this case, consult with the veterinarian.
How can I know what type of problem is with my dog?
Ans. If eating grass your dog shows signs of having diarrhea, constipation, and low energy, then your dog has digestive issues. If he starts to stay alone, has destructive behavior, and excessive barking, then he has psychological issues. Spend your time with him in such cases.
Conclusion
Eating grass is not a harmful habit but it can be harmful in the presence of any kind of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. It can also be harmful if your dog accidentally has eaten a toxic plant. Observe your dog’s behavior, understand why the dog eats grass, check what kind of issue your dog has, and treat him accordingly. Also, train your dog not to eat grass as prevention is better than cure.