Why does my dog eat grass?

    

Have you ever noticed your dog munching on the grass as new sprouts spring up once the snow has melted? Or maybe your dog eats grass when it seems they have an upset stomach.
Many dogs like to eat grass from time to time, and many dog owners wonder why they do this, if it’s true that eating grass makes them vomit and if it’s healthy or okay for them to chow down on the green stuff. In this article, we’ll look at the top four reasons your dog may be eating grass.

 

 

1. If your dog grazes only occasionally, it sounds like you have a grass gourmand on your hands and there’s nothing to be alarmed about. Some dogs just really like the taste of grass—especially that fresh, green grass in the spring. And some dogs like to eat different things, including your neighbor’s lawn!
2. Often when dogs have an upset stomach, they’ll eat grass. If you can hear your dog’s stomach gurgling, or they’re vomiting or have diarrhea and are desperate to get outside to eat grass, their stomach is definitely upset. It’s thought that dogs instinctively eat grass to help soothe and settle their stomach. Grass is high in fiber and also brings the stomach’s pH level down, helping to soothe their discomfort. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of an upset stomach, contact your veterinarian.
3. Sometimes dogs will eat grass when they’re bored. This is especially true for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, alone in their yards. While eating some grass from time to time is okay, eating a lot of grass can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The grass can clump together and get stuck, creating a blockage. Surgery may be required to remove the blockage. Make sure you’re providing your dog with adequate exercise, playtime and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
4. Dogs, like people, need a certain amount of fiber in their diets. If their diet is lacking in fiber or roughage, it can be more difficult to digest their food and pass stool. Eating grass may be a way for their digestive tract to run a little more smoothly. 

While it’s not terrible for your dog to eat grass occasionally, it can sometimes lead to trouble. Make sure your dog isn't chomping on grass that’s recently been treated with herbicides or pesticides. Keep in mind that when dogs are nibbling on grass—especially where lots of other dogs hang out and poop—they can inadvertently ingest intestinal parasites along with the grass. Regular deworming can take care of this issue if your dog really likes to chow down on grass from time to time!

Not sure if your dog’s grass eating is problematic? Call your VCA veterinarian or, if it’s after hours, access free 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA™ app.*
 
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*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

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