Does your dog eat grass? Are you worried that he or she is sick because of this behaviour? Read on to find out possible reasons for grass munching in dogs, and how to identify if you need to take any action.
You want the best for your pet
Your dog is an important part of the family, so it makes sense that you keep an eye on your pooch, watching out for any signs or symptoms that might affect their health or well-being. Hence you choose to feed them a premium quality diet, and you ensure they get plentiful amount of exercise and playtime to promote a happy, healthy life. So, it can then be confusing and worrying to find your dog displaying behaviours which you don’t understand for instance grass eating. Here, we explore the possible causes of this behaviour – and explain what you can do to make sure that your pet stays fit and healthy.
Is your dog getting the best diet?
Some people believe that dogs eat grass because there is something lacking in their diet. However, there is no scientific evidence for this, so if your pooch is indulging in grass – you shouldn’t necessarily assume that he’s not receiving adequate nutrition. Choose naturally healthy food to give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that your precious family member is receiving a diet that contains no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives nor any harmful ingredients, and that is packed with all the nutrients he needs.
Does it mean he’ll be sick?
In most cases, a dog eating grass is no cause for concern. Your pooch most likely just enjoys the taste, and it won’t cause him any harm. Lots of people think that this is a sign that they are feeling sick, and that it points to a potential stomach upset. However, your pet isn’t necessarily going be vomiting anytime soon if you see him enjoying the benefits of your garden – as this only happens in a small minority of cases.
Nature’s way for your dog to protect himself
It is commonly believed that dogs like to eat grass because that’s something that their ancestors did – and it is a natural instinct to do so. It’s also possible that when your pet is munching on the lawn, he is protecting his intestines. The action of eating grass may help him to get of any unwelcome guests – or parasites!
Happy dog, healthy appetite
Why do dogs eat grass? It’s quite likely that your best friend is enjoying a snack for the same reasons you do: the pleasure of eating. It’s possible that he gets a hit of dopamine to the brain from chowing down on the fruits of nature. This feel good chemical gives a boost that induces feelings of happiness and well-being – so you could assume that your dog is just enjoying indulging his appetite! If you discover that your dog is eating grass, there is a small possibility that he might be feeling a bit sick. However, in most cases of this behaviour, there is nothing to worry about. If your dog is consuming high volumes or is continually eating in order to be sick then you should take them to see the vet. Likewise, puppies who eat grass need to be monitored, as they may consume too much when teething – which can result in a blockage. Trust your instincts, and if in doubt – visit your vet to confirm everything’s ok.
