Is your dog eating grass? It’s possible to prevent!
Do you have a dog that keeps eating things in the backyard? Are you aware that your pet keeps eating grass in particular? If so, you are likely eager to know how to make it stop, especially if your pet smells terrible or immediately vomits as a result. Follow this quick guide on how to keep a dog from eating grass, and consult your local veterinarian for more advice.
How Common Is It for Dogs to Eat Grass?
“Pica” is the term to describe the disorder of eating things that are not food. Pica is common for dogs, and grass is one of the most common non-foods that they consume. Eating grass is not particularly harmful, except for the pesticides or herbicides that might be present, particularly in spring or fall. Otherwise, there is not really any harm in it, and it is considered normal for dogs to sometimes eat things that are not supposed to be in their diet. However, if your pet habitually eats non-foods, such as grass, there is hope in preventing it from continuing to do so. The best way to keep a dog from eating grass is to figure out why it’s eating grass.
Reasons Dogs Usually Eat Grass
There are three main reasons that dogs might eat grass.
- Illness: If your dog is having digestive problems, it might try to relieve its symptoms by eating grass and possibly vomiting afterward. If your dog seemed unwell beforehand, then the chance of this being the reason is greater. However, illness is the least common reason for dogs to eat grass.
- Dietary supplementation: Some dogs might sense that they are missing something from their diet and try to solve it by eating plants. In some recorded cases, pet dogs have stopped eating grass after switching to a high-fiber diet.
- Boredom: Pet dogs can find it compelling to eat anything, even poop. Sometimes, a dog might chew on grass out of sheer boredom.
How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Grass
- Make sure that your dog is not eating grass due to an illness. If it is, see how to get it back to health. Your local vet can help.
- If it is a dietary issue, consider trying out different dog food or giving your pet a high-fiber supplement.
- Does your pet get enough exercise and attention every day? Engaging its attention and providing plenty of toys can help it stop eating grass if it’s bored.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!