Eating grass is very common in dogs, but humans find this behavior very strange. It’s weird to see dogs eat grass and particularly disturbing if they throw up after this activity. They’re several reasons why dogs eat grass and they’re either physical or psychological. The reasons why dogs eat grass are divided into two categories: physical and psychological reasons. Let’s explore each at a time.
Physical reasons
Even though dogs gain nothing physically by eating grass, several physical reasons are likely to cause this.
1. To induce vomiting
Most dogs vomit after eating grass, so the next time you find your companion snacking on grass, he might be doing it to relieve himself from an upset stomach. If your dog shows any symptoms of stomach problems, along with this behavior, you should visit the vet to get it treated. Such symptoms may include watery diarrhea or vomiting more than twice after eating grass.
2. A dietary response
Grass contains some dietary fiber and if your dog lacks fiber in its food, he might be getting it from the grass. If you notice that your dog usually eats grass immediately after meals, it’s not getting enough fiber from its food. This could be a signal to switch your dog to a high-fiber diet.
Psychological reasons
It’s not well known why dogs eat grass even though it makes them vomit, but vets have found some physiological-related points to explain this. 3. Behavioral issues Dogs eat grass when they’re anxious, lonely, stressed or upset. If you find that your dog eats grass when it’s alone in the backyard, he might be doing so out of loneliness and to seek your attention. 4. Fun Some dogs eat grass just because they love how it tastes and its texture. You may find that your dog eats grass only during a specific season or that of a particular location. If there’re no severe side effects such as excess vomiting, there’s no need for alarm as this is a typical canine’s behavior. Try and adjust the food you give your dogs and ensure it has high fiber content to alleviate the behavior, if it results from dietary issues. To ensure that the grass is safe for your pets, avoid using herbicides and pesticides on it. As always, please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s grass eating.