Watching your dog dart for the grass on your regular walks might be concerning. After all, it’s grass. And the grass isn’t a normal part of a dog’s well-balanced diet.
Whatever you do, don’t be alarmed. Many dogs eat grass, but the question remains: should dogs eat grass?
Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?
Your grass-munching canine might have you raising your eyebrows. Are they sick? Are they trying to make themselves vomit? Are they eating it out of instinct?
The answer is both short as it is complicated: nobody really knows—but there are several speculations.
- It’s Instinctual
We know it’s hard to believe, but your fur baby is the descendant of wolves. In the wild, it has been observed that wolves eat grass to supplement their diet. Your pooch might instinctively be doing the same thing their ancestors did.
- Your Dog Is Nutrient-Deficient
Dogs who are experiencing a deficiency in their diet may turn to grass to supplement that deficiency. If you notice your dog grazing on grass every single time you’re out on a walk or a romp in the park, try changing their diet to a high-fiber variety.
- Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach
Everyone gets an upset stomach every once in a while—even your dog. Usually, we humans take an antacid to alleviate our upset stomachs. When it comes to dogs, eating grass is like the equivalent of Pepto Bismol.
However, this natural alleviation is only temporary, as vomiting is a common effect of eating grass.
- They Just Want To
Dogs are curious, especially if your pooch is a young puppy. Much like human children, a puppy’s curiosity can get the best of them, and they just want to experience the taste of grass.
Should My Dog Eat Grass?
Even though eating grass isn’t a huge risk, it’s still a risk. The biggest risk factor is harmful pesticides. Pesticides can poison dogs and cause them to excessively salivate, vomit, have diarrhea, or lose their appetite altogether.
If you suspect your dog has ingested grass treated with pesticide, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Grass?
It’s hard to avoid grass full-stop, but there are a few steps you can take to stop your dog from eating grass. Start by avoiding grassy areas if possible, and only take your dog out for a walk or playtime after he or she has already had a meal.
If your dog attempts to eat grass, reinforce his or her behavior through a positive diversion, like playing ball or offering a dog treat.
Shop the Best Shammy for Your Dog
When bathtime beckons, it’s important to be equipped with an ultra-absorbent towel. After your dog’s romp in the grass, wash your pup off and take the dread out of drying with The Absorber®—the towel that will dry your dog off at two shakes of a wagging tail. Use The Absorber® after playtime, swimming in the lake, or galavanting around the snow, so your dog stays comfortable no matter where you go.