While there are certainly more disgusting habits that our dogs could adopt, why is it that they insist on scarfing down on our lawns? He could at least chow down on the weeds if he insists on a vegetarian diet. And why, oh why, must you return inside the house only to throw up the grass onto the carpet! The habit may seem strange and a little gross to us, but our hounds have their reasons for this grassy habit.
Tummy Troubles
Particularly for the occasional grass-munching hound, your dog is likely trying a natural remedy to a gassy and grumbling tummy. So why then does your mutt proceed to vomit when the grass should be helping his tummy troubles? The grass blades tickle the throat and stomach lining, but an unwell pup also has a tendency to gulp down jumbo bites of grass, so all these sensations can combine and lead to vomiting.
Yummy & Nutritious
If your pooch is turning to yard vegetation more regularly, and likely without vomiting, then he may be using grass to fill in some nutritional gaps in his diet. The essential nutrients and fiber in grass are something your dog may be craving. Discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian. You may want to upgrade your dog’s commercial dog food, or introduce raw or cooked vegetables into Fido’s food bowl. Some dogs love the raw crunch of veggies as treats, too. A green bean or carrot contains fewer calories, and better nutrition than some of the treats you are feeding your hound now.
Our dogs nutritional needs change as they age, so just because a certain dog food has worked well for him in the past doesn’t mean he isn’t due for a change. In addition to grass eating, you may notice other symptoms, such as weight gain and lethargic behavior, in addition to the grass eating.
A Sign of Something More
Grass grazing is not an uncommon behavior, but it also is not something that should be entirely written off as normal and ignored. While grass munching isn’t as bad, gross or as strange as we probably think, you do want to watch out for excessive grass eating or a sudden increase in grass eating. Your dog may be attempting to self-treat something that requires a veterinarian’s expertise.
And while eating the grass may not be harmful, there can be herbicides and pesticides on your lawn that can be poisonous to your hound when ingested. It is always a smart idea to use pet-safe lawn fertilizers and pest control methods. Also, some plants both outside, and inside your home may be poisonous.
If you’ve caught your dog chewing on your bouquet of carnations, or your aloe plant, you’ll want to compare his plant diet against the list of toxic plants listed on the ASPCA’s poison control center’s website for animals. It is also necessary to note that even a “safe” plant can give Fido minor digestive upset, so when possible, keep your dog and plants out of paw’s reach.
| For more than a decade, Susan Wright has been a practicing veterinarian who provides professional, quality care to domestic and family pets. Dr. Wright is a dog bark collar expert and writer. Susan composes articles that offer instruction, helpful tips, and advice on proper care of dogs in between vet visits. |
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