Does your dog like to snack on the grass in your garden? While that may seem pretty weird to us, it’s actually a common canine behaviour.
But why do dogs eat grass? That’s what we are going to talk about in this blog post. Keep reading to find out more.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Several different theories attempt to answer this interesting question. Let’s go over them right now.
It Helps Sick Pups Feel Better
Nibbling on blades of grass might be your canine’s chosen remedy for illness. According to this theory, grass consumption induces vomiting, which helps sick dogs feel better.
But that might not be true. After all, most dogs that eat grass don’t throw up. With that in mind, there’s good reason to question the reliability of this theory.
They Take After Their Ancestors
The way our pets eat is far different from the way wild animals consume their food. In the wild, canines eat their prey from head to foot. They get their fibre from the plants contained in the stomach of their prey.
Obviously, most pets don’t eat whole animals. That means they miss out on the plants found in the stomach of a wild dog’s prey. So, chomping on your grass might be your dog’s attempt to make up for inadequate fibre in the diet.
It’s a Natural Instinct That’s Been Passed Down
Domesticated dogs aren’t the only animals that eat grass. Wolves have also been known to practice this behaviour, which could be a natural way to manage internal parasites.
Our pet dogs might have retained this natural instinct, possibly explaining why so many of them like to eat grass.
Your Dog Might be Bored
Boredom is another possible explanation for your dog’s grass-eating habit. If you aren’t around to give your dog enough attention, your pup will find ways to make the time pass by. And eating grass might be one of those ways.
When Should I be Concerned?
In most cases, there’s no reason to fret when dogs eat grass. But if you still feel concerned about this behaviour, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian about it.
If nothing else, that conversation with your vet will give you peace of mind. And if your dog’s habit of eating grass does need to be corrected, your veterinarian will help you determine the right course of action.
So, when should you be worried about your dog’s grass consumption? Here are a few examples of when to step in:
- Your dog tries to eat grass that’s been treated with herbicides and/or pesticides.
- The lawn is surrounded by dog-toxic plants.
- Boredom is driving your pup to snack on grass.
If your dog is bored, spend more time with your four-legged pal. Walking, grooming, training, hiking, playing, and other fun activities will provide plenty of entertainment that prevents boredom.
In Conclusion
As already mentioned, various theories try to answer the question, “Why do dogs eat grass?” Although we don’t know for sure if any of those theories are correct, we do know that eating grass isn’t a problem in most situations. That should ease any concerns you have about this common behaviour.
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