As a dog parent, keeping your furry companion in good health is your top most priority. We enjoy having them around for their playful and carefree attitude, but it can be bothersome if their health gets compromised. One behavior that puzzles and concerns most dog owners are when they start munching on grass.
Your canine pets eat almost anything they get, especially when they are puppies. At times, they eat the grass and swallow it. Sometimes, they just munch on it and spit it out. This might get you wondering why your dog eats grass, and you’re eager to know what it’s all about. Well, there are certain special reasons why your canine buddy eats grass all of a sudden. Different dogs munch on grass for various reasons.
Getting a better understanding of why your dog munches on grass will help address that behavior. So keep reading to find out whether it’s safe for your dog to eat grass or not.
Your Dog Enjoys Eating Grass: Is It A Normal Behavior?
As a dog owner, if your pup suddenly starts eating grass, you might be eager to find out the reason why. It’s hard to pinpoint a specific reason as to why they chew on grass. Generally, dogs enjoy munching on various things for different reasons.
Most veterinarians claim that chewing on grass is a common behavior that’s normal among dogs. It is normal canine behavior if your canine pet eats grass and purges them later. However, that doesn’t mean it’s safe in all cases. Let’s find out the other reasons why your dog starts consuming grass.
Sometimes, Eating Grass Is Simply Out Of Boredom
Some veterinarians believe dogs chew on grass either because they are stressed out, anxious about something, upset, or bored. If your dog does not have much to do and spends hours alone in the backyard, they tend to eat grass. This signals they are unhappy about something and experiencing boredom. To avoid this, you can play games along with them or get them to exercise more.
If you do not have time to play games with them or take them for long walks, you can get them a healthy chew toy to keep them from chewing on the grass.
Eating Grass To Soothe An Upset Stomach
So, how do you figure out if your dog is eating grass because they are sick? If you notice your pooch swallowing huge mouthfuls of grass at high speed, it is a sign that they’re experiencing an upset stomach. It can be either due to something they ate recently or to acid reflux. Since they cannot communicate it to humans in words, they engage in such crazy behavior to solve their problems.
If your dog starts showing symptoms of an upset stomach, it may require veterinary attention. If they start vomiting more than once after consuming grass or end up having frequent diarrhea, you need to schedule a consultation with your vet soon.
Needs Change In Diet
There’s no evidence that proves dog’s eating grass might be because they’re sick or not. But, if they continue the grass-eating behavior, it is advisable to try changing their diet. In some cases, dogs tend to eat a little grass once in a while. Some experts claim dogs enjoy eating grass to help with digestion.
Including a high-fiber diet will help fix any deficiency and aid in digestion. However, before deciding to change their diet, consult with your vet first.
Final Thoughts
If your furry buddy often eats grass and vomits it out, there’s probably nothing to be concerned about. They are simply responding to their psychological needs. Meanwhile, if you want them to remain healthy and comfortable, check them regularly for parasites that can be picked on while chewing on grass. It would be best if you also kept them from munching on grass that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as it can be toxic to them.
