Dogs Eating Grass: What Does it Mean?
Dogs are often vulnerable to a lot of health complications most of their lives but you may miss the common warning signs. Studies show that canines over 10 years are vulnerable to get cancer, and even younger dogs are prone to health issues. Vets suggest that food is the main instigator of health issues in pets.
Certain foods have dangerous chemicals that interfere with your dog’s body functions. As a result, this often leads to allergies, itching, weight gain, smelly breath, joint problems, digestive discomfort and even death.
Keep an eye on what your dog eats
Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your pet in good health provided you observe a few things. In fact, it’s quite straightforward and you don’t even have to adjust your dog’s diet. But most people often ask, ‘’why do dogs eat grass?’’. Well, dogs might ingest grass to force themselves to vomit when they aren’t feeling well. After they vomit, they often feel much better.
However, some people dispute this claim and suggest that dog’s aren’t intelligent enough to treat stomach upset by ingesting grass. On the other hand, evidence shows that dogs which ingest grass aren’t necessarily unwell.
In fact, pet owners agree that dogs can have good health and still eat grass from time to time. Grass eating also doesn’t cause your pet to throw up. In fact, most of the dogs that consume grass don’t vomit after grazing.
Improving digestion
Another reason your dog may be ingesting grass include treating intestinal worms, improving digestion or fulfilling a nutritional need, such as inadequate fiber. According to a recent study, a poodle was given grass and vomited for six years. But after the dog was fed a high-fiber diet, it completely stopped ingesting grass.
Instinctive behavior
Your dog may also be eating grass as a result of common instinctive behavior. Dogs often ingest grass after they have swallowed a foreign material that causes stomach discomfort. When your dog suffers from stomach upset, their first instinct is vomiting – which offers immediate relief.
Is grass safe to consume for dogs?
It’s essential to observe the type of grass your canine is eating. That means you should never let them ingest anything that contains fertilizers or pesticides. You need to ensure your lawn care items or products are safe for household pets.
Conclusion
If you notice your dog keeps ingesting grass and vomiting, then you should visit the vet immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.
References: Modern Dog Magazine, AKC, Hills Pet