Have you ever noticed your dog eating grass on dog walks? Perhaps you’ve seen your pet munching on grass in your garden? If so, you’ve probably wondered about the reasons behind it and if your pet can come to any harm from this habit. Should you be worried about your dog’s grazing habit or is it completely normal? Let’s take a look at why some dogs like to graze on grass and what you should do about it.

Does a dog eating grass mean anything?

If your dog has a liking for grass, it could signify a number of things. First of all, it could simply mean that your dog really likes the taste or feel of grass. Alternatively, it could mean that your dog is lacking something nutritionally and they are getting their fix by eating grass. Is your dog sufficiently entertained and does he receive regular exercise? A common theory is that dogs turn to eating grass simply because they are bored.

Do dogs eat grass to settle their stomach? Why is my dog being sick?

One theory is that your dog is using grass as a digestive aid and that it’s a solution to an upset stomach. But many scientists believe that dogs aren’t intelligent enough to self diagnose a stomach upset. Another theory is that your dog is using grass to rid itself of parasites. Because of the way grass is composed, it can clean the intestines as it passes through. It is also suggested that a dog turns to grass when they need more fibre in their diet. Increasing the fibre in your pet’s diet could deter your dog from munching on grass in the first place. Again, eating grass is fairly normal but if your dog is being sick after eating grass excessively, it is your cue to seek advice from your vet.

What should I do if my dog eats grass?

In most cases, if your dog eats grass it is no cause for concern. However, if the grass has been treated with harmful pesticides then your dog can ingest these and become sick. Grass seeds can also get stuck in your pet’s paws, eyes and ears and this can lead to a number of issues. While there is only a small chance that your dog might become unwell after eating grass you may wish to prevent it as they won’t be getting any nutrition from it and it has no benefit to your dog. 

Why is my dog eating grass all of a sudden and why is dog not eating his food?

If your dog is eating grass all of sudden and leaving his or her food, it is likely to be connected with a change in routine. Is your dog being left for longer periods of time alone or getting less attention? If you are worried about your dog’s eating habits and they are choosing grass over food or you want to rule out a serious stomach ailment, you should seek advice from your local vet.

Your vet can help if you think that your dog is eating grass excessively and it starting to feel unwell as a result. Here at Asda Money, you can compare pet insurance policies to find the right level of cover for you.