Dog Eating Grass? What It Means & When to Worry

Have you ever watched your furry friend munching on grass in the yard and wondered, "Why do dogs eat grass?" You're definitely not alone! It's a super common behaviour that puzzles many pet parents. While it often seems a bit strange, there are actually several reasons why your canine companion might be grazing like a cow.

In this guide, we'll explore what it means, when it's perfectly normal, and, most importantly, when you might need to worry and seek professional advice. Let's get to the bottom of this grassy mystery!

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Unpacking the Mystery

It's a sight almost every dog parent has witnessed: your pup happily chomping away on a patch of grass. This behaviour, known as "pica" when referring to eating non-food items, is incredibly common in dogs. But why do they do it? The truth is, there isn't one single answer, and it's often a mix of instincts, dietary needs, and even psychological factors.

• The Instinctive Urge

Many experts believe that eating grass is simply an instinctive behaviour passed down from their wild ancestors. Wild canids, like wolves, would often consume plant material found in the stomachs of their prey or directly from the environment to supplement their diet. This suggests that a dog eating grass isn't necessarily a sign of illness, but rather a natural, inherited trait. 

• Not Always a Sign of Sickness

A common misconception is that dogs only eat grass when they feel sick and want to vomit. While some dogs do vomit after eating grass, it's not the primary reason for most. According to a veterinary research, it indicates that only about 8% of dogs show signs of illness before eating grass, and roughly 22% actually vomit afterwards. This means that for the vast majority of cases, your dog isn't eating grass because they're feeling unwell, but for other reasons entirely.

Common Reasons Your Dog Might Be Grazing

Beyond instinct, there are several other compelling reasons why your dog might be enjoying a grassy snack. Understanding these can help you determine if their behaviour is normal or if it warrants a closer look.

1. Dietary Needs and Fibre Intake
   

• Fiber Deficiency: One of the most widely accepted theories is that dogs eat grass to supplement their dietary fibre intake. Fibre is crucial for healthy digestion, helping to move food through the digestive tract and maintain regular bowel movements. If your dog's regular diet is lacking in fibre, they might instinctively seek it out in grass.
  

• Gut Health: Another reason can be that an imbalanced gut microbiome might signal to dogs, via the gut-brain axis, to consume fibre-rich grass. This could help beneficial bacteria grow, linking grass-eating to overall microbiome health.
  

• Digestive Aid: While not always leading to vomiting, the fibrous nature of grass can sometimes act as a natural emetic, helping dogs to clear their stomachs of indigestible material, parasites, or simply to relieve an upset stomach.
  

2. Boredom, Anxiety, or Attention-Seeking

Just like humans, dogs can get bored or anxious, and eating grass can be a way to cope. If your dog isn't getting enough mental or physical stimulation, they might turn to grazing as a form of entertainment. 

VCA Animal Hospitals states that dogs often increase grass eating due to boredom, loneliness, or anxiety, especially when their interaction time with their parent decreases. It can also be an attention-seeking behaviour; if you rush over every time they eat grass, they learn it gets your attention!

3. Simply Enjoying the Taste and Texture

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the correct one. Many dogs genuinely seem to enjoy the taste and texture of grass. It's fresh, green, and offers a different sensory experience than their regular food or toys. 

When Should You Worry About Grass Eating?

While often harmless, there are specific situations where your dog's grass-eating habit could signal an underlying issue that needs your attention. Knowing these red flags is crucial for your pet's health.

Signs of Underlying Health Issues

If your dog's grass eating is accompanied by other symptoms, it's time to be concerned. These could indicate a more serious health problem. Here's what to look out for:

• Excessive or Compulsive Grass Eating: If your dog suddenly starts eating grass much more frequently or seems obsessed with it, almost like a compulsion, it could be a sign of pica. Pica, the eating of non-food items, can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, or even behavioural problems.
  

• Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhoea: While occasional vomiting after grass isn't always alarming, if your dog is consistently vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea after eating grass, or if they seem distressed, it's a clear signal to contact your vet.
  

• Changes in Appetite or Lethargy: If your dog is eating grass and also refusing their regular food, seems unusually tired, or shows other signs of discomfort like abdominal pain, it's definitely a cause for concern.
  

• Weight Loss or Gain: Unexplained changes in your dog's weight, alongside increased grass eating, could point to metabolic or digestive disorders.

Potential Dangers of Ingesting Treated Grass

Beyond internal health, the external environment poses risks. Grass treated with chemicals can be incredibly dangerous for your dog. Consider these points:

1. Pesticides and Herbicides: Many lawns are treated with chemicals to control weeds and pests. Ingesting these substances can lead to poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, or even organ damage. Always be aware of how public parks or your neighbours' yards are treated.
   

2. Fertilisers: While some fertilisers are less toxic than pesticides, they can still cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
   

3. Toxic Plants: Sometimes, dogs might accidentally ingest other toxic plants mixed in with grass. Certain common garden plants can be highly poisonous to dogs.

When to Call Your Vet

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet's health. Here are clear indicators that it's time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian:

• Sudden Increase in Grass Eating: If your dog, who rarely ate grass, suddenly starts doing it frequently and obsessively.

• Accompanying Symptoms: Any grass eating coupled with vomiting (especially repeated or severe), diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or changes in stool.

• Signs of Pica: If your dog is not only eating grass but also other non-food items like dirt, rocks, or fabric, this could indicate a nutritional deficiency or underlying medical condition.

• Suspected Toxin Exposure: If you believe your dog has eaten grass treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals.

• Weight Changes: Unexplained weight loss or gain in conjunction with grass eating.

What Your Vet Will Assess

During your visit, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and may recommend further diagnostics to pinpoint the cause of the grass eating if it's deemed problematic. Here's what you can expect:

1. Detailed History: They'll ask about your dog's diet, eating habits, exercise routine, any recent changes in behaviour, and the specifics of their grass eating. Be prepared to share how often it happens, if they vomit, and what else they might be eating.

2. Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical exam will check for any signs of illness, pain, or discomfort.

3. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the physical exam and history, your vet might suggest blood tests to check for organ function, nutritional deficiencies, or infections. Faecal tests can rule out parasites, and imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) might be used to examine the digestive tract.

4. Dietary Recommendations: If a dietary imbalance is suspected, your vet can recommend specific changes to your dog's food, including adding fibre supplements or switching to a therapeutic diet.

Remember, your vet is your best resource for personalised advice regarding your dog's health. Don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns about their grass-eating habits.

So, if your dog occasionally munches on grass, there’s usually no need to worry; it’s often just instinct or curiosity at play. Just keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms and check with your vet if something feels off.

And while you’re caring for your pet’s overall health, explore HUFT’s range of pet essentials from natural tick and flea shampoos to nutritious food and grooming must-haves - everything you need to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!