Why do dogs eat grass?

 Everyone has seen your dog do – chew on a little green grass as if they were a cow and not a dog. Some dogs chew on a little grass during a walk while others take as much as they can.

So why do dogs eat grass?

According to experts, dogs are omnivores and can get their nutrients from a variety of sources. These include meats, grains, fruits and vegetables. 

There are some theories and myths about this habit:

1. Digestive and respiratory problems

Some people speculate that dogs eat grass for digestive problems. The theory is that if they have discomfort, eating grass will relieve it.

Eating grass is typically not a symptom of major digestive problems, but it can be in some cases. Most owners notice the symptoms of the disease before the dog even starts eating grass or increases its consumption.

If your dog suffers from chronic stomach sensitivity, diarrhea, an inflamed intestine or pancreatitis, he may eat more grass than other dogs.

Eating too many plants can even cause digestive problems! Many owners report that their dog consumes grass and then vomits. It is believed that this vomiting is due to irritation in the stomach due to excessive consumption of grass.

Eating grass and other wooden materials like sticks can predispose dogs to digestive and respiratory inflammation. If too much wood material is ingested, it can be difficult for the dog to digest. Intestinal blockages are painful and life-threatening if not treated quickly. If you believe your dog has consumed too much, is vomiting frequently after eating too much vegetation or wood materials, or appears to be unwell, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Many of these cases who present to the vet after eating grass have a bloody nose, coughing, drooling and retching. Others can eat grass without problems for weeks or months. These dogs sometimes develop excessive sneezing. Sedation is commonly needed to examine the dog's nose and mouth. Endoscopy also helps, as it can be difficult to visualize the small nasal passages in some dogs.

2. Cleaning of parasites

Younger dogs eat plants more commonly and are also more likely to have intestinal parasites. The theory is that plants like grass and leaves can help cleanse the intestines and remove parasites.

It's good to note that eating grass can also expose your dog to parasites, which in turn can cause digestive problems. If your dog eats grass in an area with a lot of dog traffic, the grass is often contaminated with feces containing viruses, intestinal parasite eggs and larvae. Other wild animals present in the area can also contaminate the site.

3. Behavioral problems

Eating grass could be a symptom of a larger behavioral problem. Some dogs eat grass because they are bored, anxious, or have an obsessive compulsive disorder. Dogs that are raised outdoors without toys, humans, or canine interaction spend their time munching on grass, sticks, and other vegetation.

Many of these dogs are difficult to walk on a leash or keep under control in an open area because they are focused on fetching grass.

Regular training can help take this obsession out of your dog. It may involve keeping their attention with a highly desired treat or toy . While you are out with your dog, often reward him with small treats.

This will help not only distract him from the grass hunt, but also positively reinforce his paying attention to you. The goal is to have your dog more interested in interacting with you instead of obsessing over looking for grass.

If your dog seems obsessed with eating grass, talk to your veterinarian or trainer about how best to correct this problem.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Another myth is that dogs eat grass due to nutritional deficiencies. There is no proof of this and most dogs eat balanced food . And as mentioned earlier, grass isn't very nutritious for dogs, so eating it won't do much good.

When animals eat things that are not food, it can be a sign of nutritional deficiency, especially when they eat rock or soil. Eating grass can be for the same reason in some circumstances.

Your dog can eat grass to supplement his diet with fiber. Dogs that eat unbalanced diets, lots of protein, no grains or raw diets can sometimes eat grass. Is it due to a lack of fiber in the diet? Depending on the diet, yes, it is a possibility.

Normal behavior when eating grass

Many pet owners ask their vet why dogs eat grass. If he's not sick, is he just acting weird? The expert answer is simple: It's normal dog behavior.
Eating grass is normal dog behavior and we don't fully understand why they do it. Eating grass weekly or even daily is considered normal.

Eating grass rarely means anything is wrong with your dog. In a survey done by the University of California – Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 showed that most dogs that eat grass regularly are normal and healthy.

Prevention

If your dog's grass eating habit is a problem, it's best to take care not to overeat. The best way to do this is to keep an eye on your dog. Walk him on a short leash and distract him with treats every time he tries to eat grass. Do not allow your dog to roam off leash if he is prone to grazing.

If eating grass only happens occasionally, don't worry, there's nothing wrong with your dog. Since this habit has been preserved by domestication, it must serve some biological purpose that we have yet to discover.