Eight weird things dogs like to eat on walks (and should you be concerned?) 

 
8 weird things dogs eat

Walks are a great time for dogs to get fresh air, exercise, sniff out new things—and then gobble them up! If your dog has this scavenging habit, check out our list of common, yet bizarre things dogs eat on walks to learn which are no big deal and which are bad news. 

 

 
  • Grass. Dog owners everywhere will be relieved to learn that this all-time favorite dog snack is safe. Only if a lot is eaten can it rarely ball up in the gut  and create an obstruction. Foraging grass could also potentially bring your dog in contact with parasites. Luckily, a regular parasite preventive is an easy solution to this problem.
  • Bark and mulch. Even though these small pieces may seem harmless, bark and mulch are best avoided. When several pieces are swallowed, they can create an obstructive clump in the gut. Plus, cocoa bean mulches are as toxic to dogs as regular chocolate.
  • Dandelions. Good news! These flowery morsels are not toxic to your dog. So go ahead and let your dog’s grazing help out with weed control.
  • Dog poop. Not only is poop-eating gross, it also increases the odds of intestinal worms and other parasitic infections. Routine parasite prevention is a must-have for all dogs who like to sample this stinky fare.
  • Goose and rabbit droppings. Geese and rabbits have their own set of intestinal parasites, but fortunately, they don’t affect dogs. That’s one less thing to worry about at the park!
  • Roadkill. Your dog may think it’s their lucky day when they stumble across this prize—good thing you know better! The decaying carcass can carry mold, maggots, parasites and even serious infectious diseases.
  • Food trash. Someone threw their lunch in the street a few days ago and now your dog wants a taste. Obstructive wrappers, toxic foods, mold—there’s so much that can be problematic with trash. 
  • And finally: masks. That’s right, the pandemic has added masks to our list. Facial coverings can cause serious gut obstructions, in part because their elastic ear loops get tangled in the gut, bunching it up. Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog swallows one of these.

If your dog has eaten something weird and you need advice fast, unlimited 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app is here to help. Our licensed veterinary professionals are waiting to answer your questions related to your pet’s health and wellness within minutes.


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