Have you spotted your furry friend munching on grass lately? You are not alone. Many pet owners have observed their dogs or cats engaging in this behavior. While it may initially seem strange, grazing on grass is actually quite common among pets. Wondering what cause this crazy behaviour? Well, there are multiple reasons for this to happen.
Quick Answer
One common belief is that dogs (and even cats) indulge in eating grass for beating the digestive discomfort. They are believed to do that for inducing vomiting. It is also believed that a condition known as Pica can also cause the behaviour. It may also be due to a diet deficiency and even an anxiety. In certain cases, it may also be due to a simple act of killing boredom.
6 Common Reasons to Why Dogs Eat Grass All of a Sudden?
There are different reasons why dogs indulge in a sudden grass eating behaviour. Let us explore a few prime reasons that your dog has begun eating grass suddenly. We will also check out the ways to stop this grass eating behavior in dogs.
1. An Upset Stomach
Dogs know instinctively that eating grass can help them vomit. That is why they indulge in this behaviour whenever they feel some sort of discomfort in their tummy. I tried asking the vets to know if this is true, but I was told that there is no medical evidence to prove this. Even then most of the vets and pet experts agree with this possible cause.
When your dog has stomach issues, it may eat grass to add some fiber to its diet. Once again, we have no medical evidence to prove this, but perhaps, the nature has taught the dog that adding fiber eases your stomach. Something called instinct is what makes them eat grass when they don’t feel good.
What should you do – When you notice your dog eating grass all of a sudden, and you suspect an upset stomach, it is a good idea to consult your vet. Your vet should be able to help you with the right solution for the underlying problem.
Not necessarily. Studies have shown that only 25% of the dogs hat eat grass throw up. There is a common belief that they turn to grass as a means of curing themselves. Medical science does neither support nor does it negate the concept though.
It has been shown that only 10% of the dogs are not feeling well, when they begin eating grass. So, if you believe that dogs eat grass for inducing vomiting, it isn’t true. Not every dog vomit after eating grass.
2. Pica
Pica is a medical condition that causes the dogs to eat unusual things. Eating grass may be a sort of obsession. Pica is a disease wherein a dog may eat things like grass, paper, and even dirt. If you notice a compulsive behaviour to eat such non-edible things, it is high time you have consulted your vet.
While eating grass alone may not indicate Pica, eating other unedible items is definitely a sign of the disease. Please note that a behaviour of eating non edible stuff in puppies may not necessarily be due to Pica. It may be their way of exploring things around them. But, it can be an indicator to Pica if it is found even in the grown up dogs.
What should you do – If your dog hs Pica, it is advisable to go for a complete medical check up. Your vet may also recommend tests for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and blood work to look for conditions such as anemia, liver disease, diabetes or pancreatic disease.
3. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety can be yet another cause due to which your dog starts eating grass all of sudden. Anxiety and stress can have several other symptoms such as chasing its tail, licking paws and even eating grass. Thye may also indulge in grass eating when they are facing separation anxiety.
If you suspect any sign of stress or anxiety, make the dog go for a walk and offer him some treats. You can also show some sort of affection. Confining your dog to a closed area can make it get bored and develop stress or anxiety related symptoms.
What should you do – Check if you can stimulate the dog. Giving them an option for more exercises, and offering you the options such as toys for releasing their pent up energy can be a geat option to try out.
4. Your dog is just bored
Boredom may be one of the common causes for eating grass suddenly. The dogs are quite curois animals and can get bored when they do not have an environment that would keep them entertained and active. Haven’t you seen the dogs playing with socks or even your footwear? This is part off beating the boredom and eating grass is the best way to beat it. Or at least, that is what your dog thinks!
When alone, or when it has nothing to do, it indulges in these strange kind of activities. Actually, your dog “needs something to do”. Make them stay active as much as possible. This will help avoid the unwanted behaviours – that includes eating grass.
What should you do – Give enough time to your dog. You can play with him and give him something to indulge in.
5. Maybe it is a natural instinct
Eating grasss can come as a natural instinct to some dogs. When in wild before being domesticated, dogs used to eat whatever they get to eat. That was exactly what your dog used to do before we humans domesticated them.
If that is the reason for your dog to eat grass, you can let your dog consume a little bit of grass every now and then. Just take care to see that they do not ea something harmful.
What should you do – If it sis due to natural instinct, there is practically nothing you can do fix it. Try discouraging your dog from eating grass by offering it something else. Of course, eating grass every now and then may not be a concern though. We advise not taking any action.
6. Nutritonal deficiencies
Yet another possible reason for eating grass in dogs can be due to nutritional deficiency. Dogs do need a well-balancced diet and dietary fiber deficicny can be one the reasons for eating grass all of a sudden. The grass may act as the source of the these nutrients, such as the fiber in their diet.
Graa is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. This is one of the reasons why grass is fed to the livestock. If your dog lacks some of these nutrients in its food, it may decide to eat the grass to fulfill the bodily needs of these nutrients. If you doubt your dog is eating grass for the sake of nutrients, you can consider buying or preparing some sort fo nutritional dog food for your dog.
What should you do – Add some fibre rich food to your dog’s plate. If you have changed the diet for your dog recently, maybe the food lacks some nutrients. Inn any case, adding a little moe fiber has shown more positive results.
Is eating grass safe for your Dog?
Grass in itself may not be harmful for you dog, but the pesticides and herbicides on the grass can be toxic to dogs. It is also likely that it may eat the worms in the mud when eating grass. This can further cause intestianl discomfort. The fecal residues of other dogs and animals can cause the issues such as hookworms and roundworms in your dog.
If you are wondering if eating eating grass bad for dogs, If you find your dog eating grass excessively or incessantly, it may be high time you have consulted your vet. Too excessive grass eating may not be the right behaviour and needs an immediate attention.
How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass?
You can make it part off the dog training and stop your dog from eating grass. The training terms such as Dont Do it or Stop it can make your dog understand that it should not be eating grass.
Here are a few ways that can help you in making your dog stop eating grass-
- Monitor your dog when eating grass near some households. It is quite possible that they might be using herbicides or pesticides on the lawn.
- Feed your dog with small and frequent meals. Make sure that you feed your dog first thing in the morning. This will help your dog avoid the grass if it eats it due nutritional deficiency.
- Wheen your dog is in out, make sure to paly with him or consider giving him something to play instead of chewing on grass.
You can make the dog to stop eating grass with the “leave it” or “stop it” command.
Is Eating Grass a Psychological Need for the Dog?
Dogs are attached to humans. When they do not have access to interaction with humans, they indulge in some activities to pass time. eating grass is just one of them. When they feel neglected, they would indulge in several inappropriate actions like eating grass. Eating grass when they don’t find their owners is a sigh of psychological behaviour in your dog.
Eating grass by dogs can be equated to eating fingernail in humans. It has been observed that dogs indulge in eating grass more when they are bored, lonely and anxious. If the dog is anxious, you can share some sort of T-shirt or any other belongings of the owner to the dog. If your dog craves for more socialisation, it is advisable to provide it enough of time to play.
The Closing Thoughts
Eating grass can be an instinctive behavior in dogs. They are curious by nature, and they may indulge in grass eating behaviour due to several reasons. It is not a harmful thing as long it is not indulging in an excessive grass eating. Make sure to keep an eye on its behavior and can be indicative of an underlying condition. If you notice any incessant grass eating behaviour, it is high time you take your dog to the vet.
FAQs
What does it mean when your dog eats grass?
It can be an indication that the dog is facing some sort of stomach discomfort. It can also indicate it needs fiber in its diet. It may also be an act to kill boredom for your dog. It is also possible the behaviour is instinctive in nature.
Is grass safe for my dog?
The grass is usually safe for the dogs. As long as there is no herbicide or pesticides on the grass that your dog has eaten, you would have no issues whatsoever with the grass.
Add Comment