Thursday, April 9, 2015

WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?



 
Post by Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline)


The bottom line is in the absence of any symptoms of illness BECAUSE THEY LIKE IT. It can be a normal behavior.

If a dog is having symptoms of illness that might include vomiting, low  or no appetite, or diarrhea, then eating grass can sometimes  induce a vomit, and then alleviate some stomach upset.


Another theory is some dogs crave the fiber or micronutrients that are in grass. In these situations eating the grass usually does not result in a vomit but you may see copious amounts of grass in the stool.

So, is grass eating a problem? If your dog NEVER eats grass and is suddenly eating grass and puking, then this is a problem that means you need to call us and bring him in. If your dog always grazes, perhaps rarely vomits after eating too much, then this can be absolutely normal and nothing to worry about.


 

(Picture sources: Top: http://bit.ly/1FFJyJt, Bottom: http://bit.ly/1Ecvk3U)

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