One of the most common questions asked by dog owners is: "Why is my dog eating grass?" Basically, this is no reason to panic. The dog usually eats grass on a whim, just like many people start plucking grass when they are sitting in a meadow. It is a normal behavior that four-legged friends use to compensate for boredom and to amuse themselves a little. So you can usually stay calm if you observe the behavior while walking the dog or in the garden. At the same time, there are a few other assumptions as to why our beloved pets eat grass.
Why does my dog eat grass? Research speculation
The dog eats grass and that's fine. Nevertheless, science is looking for plausible evolutionary reasons that justify this behavior and even benefit the four-legged friend. These assumptions have not actually been proven (yet), but the following ideas in particular are persistent:
- Dogs eat grass to compensate for a nutrient deficiency.
- The fiber supports the digestion of the four-legged friends.
- Eating grass leads to conscious vomiting in order to excrete harmful food components.
- Dogs with worm infestations tend to eat grass more often.
- It serves as a relaxing distraction in stressful situations (e.g. when many dogs are present).
My dog eats too much grass – what’s wrong with him?
Of course, there can always be too much of a good thing. If you notice that your dog is eating clumps of grass and sometimes no longer chews it, you should pay attention. Does your four-legged friend often vomit or even get diarrhea? Then contact a veterinary practice, as this is obviously causing digestive problems. Ideally, make a note of when and where your four-legged friend eats the grass. The lack of excretion of feces is also an indication of diseases and inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract.
If you notice your dog regularly eating grass, watch out for worms and have your four-legged friend checked regularly. The tiny lungworms in particular often roam around on grass and can enter the body this way. The lungworms or their larvae often lead to coughing, fever, nosebleeds and reduced performance.
Dog eats grass: what can I do?
As already mentioned, it is perfectly normal for dogs to eat grass. There is a good reason why we offer organic grass directly in our BARF shop . The question of why my dog eats grass has largely been answered - but what should you look out for?
- Keep away from grass near major (urban) roads, as pollutants from car exhaust fumes accumulate there.
- Pesticides and fertilizers often get stuck at the edge of the field, so you should also be careful here.
- Sharp-edged grasses (e.g. after a long dry period) can damage the mucous membranes or cause stomach pain.
- Be careful of poisonous plants such as boxwood, yew and ornamental plants if your dog eats grass nearby.
If you follow these tips, your dog should be able to cope well with the grass. If not, please ask or contact your veterinarian.
