Why do puppies eat grass

If your dog is partaking of grass because of boredom or a nutritional deficiency, you can make simple changes to add some "spice" to your pup's life and food bowl. However, there are times when you'll need to stop this behavior cold for your dog's safety and other times when it may be a sign that your pup is seriously ill.

If your dog grazes repeatedly for more than two days in a row and vomits every time, this is a signal that you should take your dog to the vet. A chronic upset tummy should be checked out as soon as possible to rule out intestinal parasites , like roundworms , or something more serious like parvovirus or kidney disease.

Behavioral Problems of Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. Shurkin, Joel. News feature: Animals that self-medicate. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Every time your dog tries to eat the grass, calmly interrupt the behavior through diversion, not scolding and ask your dog to perform another behavior instead.

This could be touching your hand to earn a treat or chasing their ball. Give your dog grass that you have grown yourself, given the fact that some researchers think this is normal dog behavior. Bjone, S. Grass eating patterns in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition Australia, 16, 45— Kang, B.

A high fiber diet responsive case in a poodle dog with long-term plant eating behavior. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 69 7 , — McKenzie, S.

Reduction in grass eating behaviours in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris, in response to a mild gastrointestinal disturbance. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1—2 , 51— Sueda, K. Characterisation of plant eating in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, , — Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Published: August 31, Reasons Dogs Eat Grass There have been many speculations and theories, but there is limited research on why dogs eat grass.

Instinctive Behavior Some scientists speculate that eating grass is an instinctive behavior for dogs that evolved from their wolf ancestors. Supplementing a Missing Nutrient In one particular case report, an year-old Poodle had a 7-year history of eating plants and grass and vomiting afterward.

Normal Dog Behavior In another study Bjone et al. Soothing an Upset Stomach McKenzie et al. Curiosity Dogs, especially younger dogs, often explore with their mouths. Attention From Pet Parents Other dogs may have learned that when they eat grass, their pet parents pay them more attention.

However, most dogs who eat grass seem completely fine beforehand, which leads vets to believe that the grass causes the vomiting more often than not. It is possible that dogs may eat grass because they need more fiber in their diets. Eating enough grass can give her the fiber she needs to process food appropriately. If your dog does show symptoms of stomach problems, she may have an issue that requires veterinary attention.

Dogs are prone to several very dangerous stomach and digestive disorders. However, these problems can usually be easily treated by your vet. This may mean that there is no real connection between the two activities.

Some dogs may vomit because of the strange texture or taste of the grass, rather than for any digestive reason. They may be responding to a psychological need to do so. That could mean more frequent walks, longer outings or a faster pace.

Or simply more play time. Make sure to always provide your pup with something to keep them occupied, and with appropriate things to chew on.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety , eating grass may be their way of coping. Solution: Spend more time with your furry friend, or leave your personal items with your scent for them to smell when you are away. Now that we know the reasons why dogs eat grass, the question is — should you let your dog eat grass?

In many cases, eating grass can be healthy and harmless. But before you let your dog munch freely on grass, remember that there are cases where eating grass may be dangerous. Grass itself is not toxic to dogs. No matter what the real reason is and it may be different from dog to dog or a combination of all the above , you can be sure that eating grass is a common behavior for a normal, healthy dog.

Eating grass can be bad for dogs when there are herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals on the grass. Yard sprays, such as weed control, can turn grass and plants toxic. And remember, some types of grass and plants are toxic to dogs!