Dog Behavior: Grass Eating

Have you ever wondered why your dog is eating grass? Dogs seem to love the taste! But why do they do it?! It's not anything you should worry about. Actually 39 out of 49 dog owners surveyed admitted their pooches eat grass.

There is quite a range of motives for this grass grazing doggie.

Grass contains essential nutrients that your pets cannot get from the commercial food out in the market today. Among the nutrients are carbohydrates, various fibers, and even some protein. After all, it's practically all that cows eat.

It is possibly a sign of boredom. Make sure your pet pup is getting enough exercise and he is being walked regularly. It is necessary they go out and keep fit at least twice a day. Exercise is vital for your canine companion!

Your pooch might be hungry. The best method is to keep the dog's bowl full at all times. This reduces the longing urge to eat and eating seems to be less important. Of course, this method is usually trained from the early stages of puppyhood.

We have all seen our beloved little friends turn to eating grass and vomit shortly after. It is said they do this when they don't feel well and is used as a method to make themselves vomit. Others argue, it just tickles their throats and after eating too much, too fast, the result makes them gag. Grass eating is a common behavior in normal dogs and is seldom related to illness. Most of the time, vomiting seems to be triggered by plant eating but if your dog is vomiting more often than usual, please consult your veterinarian.

Another reason for grass grazing is they just like the way it tastes! It is possible this is better than a piece of filet mignon to them. All of us have different preferred tastes, after all!

Pease make sure your dog is not consuming any fertilizer and do not let your pet munch on any houseplants as they may be poisonous. We have included a list of the most common plants to poison pets below:

· Lilies

· Marijuana

· Sago Palm

· Tulip/Narcissus bulbs

· Azalea/Rhododendron

· Oleander

· Castor Bean

· Cyclamen

· Kalanchoe

· Yew

· Amaryllis

· Autumn Crocus

· Chrysanthemum

· English Ivy

· Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

· Pothos

· Schefflera

All in all, grass eating is not something to be worried about. In rare, serious cases, a veterinarian might have to become involved.