Why does my dog eat grass? Is there something wrong with him? These are frequently asked questions and although there are several theories why dogs eat grass, veterinary experts agree that it's just normal canine behavior.
Some people think dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach. Since grass is not very digestible, many dogs do vomit after eating it, but this is not always the case. Some canine grazers show no sign of gastric distress before or after eating grass, while other dogs always vomit after munching on grass. Do those dogs eat grass because they already have an upset stomach and they want to vomit, or do they vomit simply because the grass upsets their stomachs? That's a question with no clear answer.
Another common explanation is that dogs eat grass to make up for a vitamin deficiency or a lack of roughage in their regular diet. It's unlikely that eating grass will actually add any essential nutrients to a dogs diet, and many healthy dogs who always eat a perfectly balanced diet also eat grass.
Most veterinarians agree that dogs eat grass simply because they like the taste. Eating grass is not a sign of illness. If, however, there are signs of ill health such as excessive vomiting, vomiting not associated with grass eating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, lack of energy, or any other symptoms of illness - call your veterinarian.
If you want to discourage grass eating and the vomiting that follows, frequent lawn mowing can help. Since clumps of tall grass seem to be especially appealing to most grazers, keep grass well trimmed around the edges too.
Never allow dogs to eat grass that has been treated with fertilizer, weed killers or pesticides and don't let them eat grass where mushrooms might also be growing.
But... As long as your lawn is mushroom free and has not been treated with harmful chemicals, do not be concerned if your dog occasionally munches on a few blades of grass. It really is common canine behavior.
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The information in this article is intended to make you aware of the need for preventative care and emphasize the importance of seeking Veterinary care, without delay when needed. It is not intended to replace professional advice from your Veterinarian.
