Why Dogs Eat Grass

(Why Dogs Eat Grass, Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? Why Do Dogs Eat Grass )

This is a guide that will help you understand why dogs eat grass, when to worry and what to do if your dog eats grass voraciously and continuously.

In this article I will cover the following topics:

  • Physical causes of why dogs eat grass
  • Behavioral Causes of Why Dogs Eat Grass
  • What to do if your dog eats grass all the time
  • When this behavior should cause concern,
  • And many other useful tips.

Ready?

Let’s go!

Introduction: why dogs eat grass

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If you own a dog, you will certainly have seen your four-legged companion gnaw the grass from the ground.

And if you are a novice owner this behavior will almost certainly have left you perplexed and maybe you have even tried to dissuade your dog from doing it.

However, eating grass is nothing unusual for our furry friends and there are several reasons behind this gesture.

Like so many other attitudes inherent to canine nature, we humans have tried to understand it and explain it in some way, although not always in a particular and infallible way.

Today, however, there are several theories as to why our dogs eat grass, some safer than others but still valid enough to give a 360-degree meaning to this phenomenon.

However, one question may flutter through your head: Should I worry? 

The answer is a firm no; you don’t have to be overly alarmed if you catch your dog eating grass.

Indeed, you will have to observe this behavior with a bit of additional attention and investigate the causes; in any case, the most extreme action you could be forced to do would be to take your furry friend to the vet.

Dogs that eat grass: the circumstances

As previously mentioned, there are several circumstances in which a dog can be prompted to eat grass.

The reasons behind this practice, however, are quite heterogeneous and can be divided into two very different categories:

  • Physically-based 
  • Behavioral in nature.

Let’s see together both macro-groups and all the specific explanations related to them.

1. Physical circumstances – why dogs eat grass

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By physical circumstances, we mean all those situations in which the dog’s behavior, ie eating grass, is dictated by physiological reasons related to the health of the animal.

In some of these eventualities, the best advice I can give you is always the same: escape any doubts in the bud and contact your trusted veterinarian.

1.1 Counterbalance Food Or Digestive Deficiencies

It seems absurd if we think that we take care of our dog’s diet, but that’s it!

If our four-legged friend perceives that he is not completely stuffed or does not take enough nutrients of a specific type, it is easy that he will not disdain a ruminate of grass when he has the opportunity.

It is a vegetable element, in fact, rich in fiber. These nutrients also regulate and facilitate the digestion of the animal and why it could be pushed to consume grass regularly.

1.2 Stimulate Vomiting

This theory has its supporters and opponents; however, it seems to find numerous proofs.
Some dogs, perhaps disturbed by severe nausea or something previously ingested, may consume grass to stimulate vomiting and get rid of that gastric encumbrance quickly.

It may seem strange, but just think that when this happens, the animal does not calmly gnaw the surface of the lawn as it usually could; on the contrary, it tears and gulps large quantities of hard-to-digest tufts of long grass without mastic.

The frenzy of the procedure and the impossibility of digestion almost constantly and rather quickly cause the dog to vomit.

Although many experts question the correlation between this behavior and this purpose, it certainly cannot be denied that, in very many cases, this dynamic repeats itself in precisely this way.

1.3 Personal Taste

While it’s not that common and sometimes a bit trite, it’s also possible that dogs eat grass, quite simply, because they enjoy eating it!

It must be said that the taste and texture of grass are certainly not the favorites of these animals. However, there are exceptions in nature.

If your puppy is part of this circle of grass-loving dogs, just let him do it as long as you don’t overdo it.

If this consumption instead causes him to vomit or other gastrointestinal problems, it will be your duty to consult a veterinarian (or even the trainer) to make him stop.

2. Behavioral Circumstances – Why Dogs Eat Grass

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By behavioral circumstances, I mean all those situations in which dogs eat grass for reasons related to their psychology and mental health.

If your dog consumes grass due to one of the following explanations, I strongly advise you to intervene in the education you give him, on the habits you have made him adopt, and in general on his lifestyle.

2.1 Hereditary Tare

In truth, the consumption of weed for behavioral reasons can also originate in the species’ roots.
The ancestors of the domestic dog, such as the very common wolves, adapted to eat fresh grass or grass digested by other hunted animals (therefore still present inside their stomachs) to ward off hunger and famine.

Although this fear has no basis for our beloved pets, the primordial instinct could still be alive and express itself against the lawns of the house.

2.2 Accumulation Of Stress

Eating grass for a dog can also be an outlet like so many others put into practice to relieve themselves of constant stress and quivering agitation (like biting nails for us humans).

This can occur if the animal is hyperactive or is not stimulated correctly by its owner, both physically and mentally.

Physical and mental exercise is essential for the dog’s psychological stability. If one of these two elements fails, the animal’s outburst can manifest itself bizarrely and compulsively: precisely the case of eating grass.

Therefore, correcting your dog’s lifestyle becomes a priority for his health, especially since this habit (as you have read previously) can cause damage to the digestive system.

2.3 Seeking Attention

Eating grass for a dog can sometimes be experienced as simple despite your owner getting your attention.

Again, the consumption of weed tends to occur in an agitated and compulsive way, waiting for your reaction to it.

This behavior can be a symptom of various discomforts for the dog, mainly suffering from a lack of attention, care, or moments of leisure with their owner.

Solutions and measures if your dog eats grass continuously and voraciously

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Talk very succinctly, since there is no need to spend too many words about it, even about what you master will have to do if your dog ate grass.

Also in this case we can distinguish between three precise eventualities:

  • The dog eats grass sporadically and quietly, nibbling it from time to time and without this affecting its health: in this case my advice is to do nothing and leave it alone. Your dog is fine and does nothing that could harm him, it’s not really worth trouble for a little harmless oddity.
  •  The dog eats grass quietly but with a certain assiduity, stubborn not to give it up : in this case the reason for your pet’s behavior lies in some physical problem, therefore inherent to nutrition and digestion. Do not treat him harshly and do not scold him for this practice, rather ask your veterinarian and get advice on how to discourage and replace this practice.
  • The dog eats grass assiduously and in a convulsive manner, sometimes angry and with consequent physical reactions (vomiting or diarrhea): in these cases, contact the veterinarian and the trainer immediately to understand the nature of the cause that pushes the animal to behave thereby. Once you have the response, take steps to change your dog’s lifestyle and stop eating grass.

Read this :-

Conclusion

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We have reached the end of this article today and as usual, I thank you from my heart for your attention.

By now you should have a fairly clear idea of ​​why your dog eats grass, so be prepared to observe this behavior with a little more attention and take the most appropriate measures.

In any way, it is not really the case to be overly alarmed, but if you want to know more about how to educate your dog (and therefore avoid such dynamics) I recommend that you visit the web page of my personal training course for dogs.

I’m sure you won’t regret it.

At this point I have nothing left to do but thank you again, I hope I have been of help and I wish you to be able to enjoy the company of your beloved dog with tranquility and serenity. 

Soon!

A hug.