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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Evan Dunbar, Professional Dog Trainer and CEO of Full Contact K9 offers his expertise regarding a common dog behavior. The following article is his opinion. Any questions regarding this content should be directed to Evan.

Eating grass is a common behavior displayed by many dogs. After eating grass, many dogs regurgitate the grass back into the yard. This seemingly pointless exercise takes place in back yards all across the country throughout the spring and summer. So, why? And is it harmful? These questions plague dog owners. 

Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

The truth is that there's no way to know exactly why dogs eat grass. Researchers have their theories, but only the dogs know for sure. Some of the most common theories include:

Nutritional Deficiency

Many believe that dogs will seek out foods that provide nutrients they need. This instinctive behavior helps keep dogs healthy and prevents deficiencies. Grass is high in fiber and some other nutrients that your dog may not be getting through everyday meals. Dogs that are not getting the right type of nutrition may experience weight problems, low energy, skin problems, behavioral changes, dull coat, changes in thirst and other symptoms. Watch for these signs and take your dog to the vet if you notice these problems.

Relief for Gastrointestinal Upset

Another possible reason that dogs eat grass is because they want to vomit. Maybe your dog ate something he shouldn't have, or maybe your dog has a stomach ache. Your dog may want to vomit because emptying the system is known to soothe the stomach.

Boredom

Some dogs may eat grass out of simple boredom. When there's nothing else to do, eating grass is a way to pass time. Watch your dog's behavior in the moments leading up to grass eating. What is your dog doing? Does your dog look engaged? Purposeful? Aimless? Listless? Your dog's mental state and body language may give some clues regarding his or her reasons for eating grass. 

If your dog is eating grass from boredom, try engaging your dog in a fun activity. Throw a ball, have a cuddle or go for a walk. If your dog really wants to eat grass, your dog may find time to stop during your activity and eat the grass anyway. If this happens, you'll know for sure it wasn't boredom that was driving your dog's actions.

Grass Is Tasty

Your dog may like to eat grass, just like you like to eat brownies or chips. If your dog enjoys the taste or texture of grass between his teeth, well, who are you to stop him? 

Eating grass is not bad for your dog, provided that your dog does not eat grass that has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers, and provided that your dog does not accidentally eat a toxic plant from your yard. For more information about dog wellness, talk to your pet's vet. If it bothers you that your dog eats grass, talk to an expert or seek professional dog training

In the mean time, if your dog eats grass, you can relax a little knowing that your dog is just like other dogs. He's doing what dogs do. 

 

 

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