Have you noticed that when you take your dog for a walk, it eats a lot of grass and comes home with a mouthful of grass! While the owners may think that it is some kind of panic mode for them or something is wrong with their pets, the behaviour is certainly due to some reasons.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Dog owners scratch their heads off wondering why their dogs eat grass. There might be scenes when the dog eats grass, vomits and again starts eating it. People do get tensed whether something is wrong with their pet or not. Has he eaten something bad for him or is it something serious! So, the question is why do dogs eat grass!
There have been many views by many renowned veterinarians as to why dogs eat grass and a lot of them are quite logical. But the reason might be specific in your dog’s case. Some of the prominent reasons why dogs eat grass often are:
1. Pleasure purposes
Dogs may enjoy eating grass as they may like its taste or texture. The grass is much fresh during the arrival of the spring which dogs would enjoy a lot.
2. Health benefits
Additionally, the grass is highly rich in dietary fibres. Consuming grass free of any chemicals can be an easier way for dogs to fulfil their roughage requirements. This helps them in better digestion of food. This is one of the best reasons why dogs eat grass.
But if your dog eats grass and shows discomfort, it is better to consult a veterinarian for the medical problem.
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3. To vomit – why do dogs eat grass
Just like humans, when dogs have an upset stomach, they want to vomit. Eating grass could be an easier way to it. Not all dogs vomit after consuming grass, but some of them do this for relieving themselves. Although studies suggest that less than 25% of dogs that eat grass vomit after its consumption.
4. Behavioural issues
People thinking about why dogs eat grass should consider it as a sign of behavioural changes in them. If locked up in a backyard, they might start eating grass as a pass time. Like humans who start biting their nails in anxiety, dogs might start eating grass while they are suffering from anxiety or boredom.
If you observe these issues, prefer some more walks with them. For anxiety relief, you can try leaving your blanket or clothes with them that could assure them and help them curb anxiety.
5. Genetic reasons – why do dogs eat grass
Dogs are omnivores by nature. Their good health depends a lot on good quality meat and plant products. Thus sometimes they crave grass as a part of their genetic makeup.
Is Eating Grass Safe For Your Dog?
The main point here is whether the grass is harmful to dogs or not. For dogs that are healthy and receive their medications regularly, consuming grass is safe.
Even though eating grass is a common behaviour for dogs, it is to be made sure that the grass they eat should be perfectly clean from any kind of animal droppings or stool which can cause intestinal parasites. It should also not contain some herbicides or other chemicals that could possibly irritate their stomach. If your dog eats grass often, you could create your backyard full of grass for grazing purposes that is free from any chemicals and is good for him. If you are thinking about why your dog is eating more grass, better consideration would be to consult a vet and know why your dog is eating grass.
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How To Stop My Dog From Eating Grass?
Although grass isn’t bad for your dog, it isn’t the perfect thing to eat. Sometimes, grass may have chemical sprinkled on them, which may ultimately disturb the digestive system of your dog. You could provide them better treats in wake of leaving grass. You could take some alternate snacks on walks. You could distract them whenever they try to eat grass.