WHY DOGS EAT GRASS?

Dogs, unlike cats, are no longer considered to be carnivorous, but omnivorous.

Even though some may find it strange, grass eating is s a rather common behavior in dogs. Some even make it part of their daily routine. Hence, dogs tend to eat grass for a number of reasons, mainly due to poor digestion. If your dog has indigestion, it will most likely eat grass to provoke vomiting. This will reduce the pain, diarrhea and nausea. Another frequent theory is that such a behavior is closely linked to nutrient deficiency (lack of micronutrients or fibers). For this reason, dogs seek for an alternative source of nutrients. Hence, make sure the nutritional balance is proper when preparing food for your pet.

Ultimately, there is also the possibility that your pet just likes the way grass tastes.

Does this strange habit has a negative impact on the dog?

In general, grass eating has no negative effect. However, although rare, dogs can develop an obsessive-compulsive disorder and become addicted to grass eating. In this case, you should immediately consult your veterinarian.

It is very important that you monitor your dog when visiting public places, since the grass is treated with chemicals in almost every park. After all, pesticides and herbicides are the main causes of pet poisoning.

MY DOG EATS GRASS

Hence, if your dog is inclined to grass eating, you can protect it by using non-poisonous products on your yard. Also, you could cultivate a garden specifically for your pet, so it will have access to healthy snacks.

On the other hand, you can train the dog to stop eating grass, especially if it’s not overly inclined to such behavior. The most common method is the ‘’heel’’ command. Thus, a dog will walk by its master’s heel while hiking, regardless of distractions.

Photo credit: Chris Fifield-Smith/Flickr