{"id":1546,"date":"2017-04-24T06:00:55","date_gmt":"2017-04-24T06:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2017-05-31T15:18:24","modified_gmt":"2017-05-31T15:18:24","slug":"why-do-dogs-eat-grass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/why-do-dogs-eat-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>Grass-Eating Is a Common Occurrence in Dogs<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Many dog owners usually feel alarmed whenever they see their fur-baby chewing on their lawn. But the truth is that grass eating, a behavior technically known as “pica,” or eating things that are not characterized as food, is quite common among dogs.<\/p>\n

Researchers have concluded that grass eating is a common behavior that usually occurs in normal dogs and is generally not associated with illness or dietary needs. They go on to suggest that grass eating may reflect an innate predisposition inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. This is supported by research on droppings left by wolves. Such research finds evidence of grass in 11 to 47% of the stool samples studied. The usefulness of grass eating in these wild canines is that it can help to purge intestinal parasites. The plant material passes through the intestinal tract and the fibrous matter increases the intestinal contractions and wraps around the worms or nematodes which may be infecting the animal. In this way the grass helps to purge the system of these potentially harmful parasites. Although most pet dogs are free of such worms they nonetheless may still have that predisposition to eat grass, which was helpful to their ancestors living in the wild.<\/p>\n

As is the case with so many canine behavior questions, it isn’t 100% clear why dogs eat grass, and there may be multiple reasons. One reasonable answer is that they like it. One study found that puppies eat grass more commonly than older dogs, indicating that there may be a playful aspect to the blade-chomping, as well. Puppies like to put everything in their mouths, and grass is no exception. They may find out that the taste and texture are pleasant and carry the habit through their lifetime.<\/p>\n

Eating Grass Is a Normal Dog Behavior<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dogs know what they need to consume. And in fact, biologists have told us that all canids — dogs and wild dogs (wolves, coyotes, dingoes, etc.) — consume grass and it’s a completely normal behavior.<\/p>\n

Dogs Eat Grass When They Suffer From Gastrointestinal Upset<\/strong><\/h5>\n

An interesting question, along the lines of the \u201cchicken or the egg<\/em>\u201d premise is this:<\/p>\n

“Do dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit, or do they vomit because they ate grass?”<\/p>\n

Dogs do not have the means to easily digest grass, as they lack the enzymes needed to break down the fibers. \u00a0One reason for eating grass may be due to a feeling of nausea. It is possible \"\"<\/a>that dogs learn this is a temporary solution for stomach irritation.<\/p>\n

Most pet parents are well aware that dogs will, on occasion, eat large amounts of grass in an attempt to make themselves throw up. When they exhibit this behavior, it tends to be almost frantic.<\/p>\n

They’ll whimper and cry to be let out, then they’ll run outside and start eating any grass they can find; they’re not selective.<\/p>\n

After they consume a large amount of grass, they’ll often times lick their lips because they’re nauseous, and then they’ll vomit. It’s completely normal for your dog to vomit occasionally (like people do when they are ill), meaning one or two times a year.\u00a0 Most often it’s nothing to worry about and your dog knows what’s best in terms of intentionally voiding their system of something that could be toxic, or making them unwell.<\/p>\n

Although there is a lack of solid evidence that grass-eating is directly related to a dog self-curing, Petmd.com says that it does seem like dogs will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass may do the trick: \u201cWhen ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining. \u00a0This sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.\u201d<\/p>\n

If your dog occasionally eats grass and is sick afterwards, he is just self-medicating.\u00a0 If your dog eats grass and is sick on a regular basis, then it is important to have a discussion with your vet.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dogs May Feed on Grass Simply Because They Want To<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Simply put, some dogs eat grass because they want to.\u00a0 If you let your dog out the back door and it looks like she’s having a great time running around when all of a sudden you see her on a mission, sniffing and specifically seeking out tall, broad grasses, or searching for a certain patch of grass, she may be looking for a truly organic treat.\u00a0 She may use her front teeth to nibble and eat a few strands of the selected grass with an unhurried intention and then go on about her way. Do not, EVER, let your dog munch on grass that has been treated with toxic chemicals!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can provide a safe alternative by growing a grass or herb garden specifically for your pup to snack on. There are organic grass growing kits available for dogs and cats who instinctively chew and eat grass, and they provide a safe, healthy alternative to eating outdoor grass.
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