Is It Ok If My Dog Eats Grass?
A question we often get when teaching pet first aid is "is it ok if my dog eats grass?" This is a great thing to wonder - especially when it seems like some dogs will immediately vomit after consuming grass. In this article, we will discuss this question and others related to vomiting in our pets!
The answer is usually it is ok if your dog eats grass, but there are some cases you will want to put a stop to it. Here are a few reasons why your pup (or kitty) may be eating grass:
1. They like the taste and/or texture. Just like humans have differing preferences in food, our pets may enjoy the fibrous taste and texture of plant matter and eat it solely for those reasons.
2. They do it out of boredom, nerves or anxiety. Some pets may consume grass in an attempt to soothe boredom, anxiety or entertain themselves.
3. They have dietary reasons for eating it. Some dogs may seek out grass in an effort to fill nutritional gaps/deficiencies, however this is very rare.
Dogs do not eat grass to try to make themselves vomit. In fact, most pets who consume grass do not vomit it back up - however you may see it pass in their stool as it is considered "insoluble" or undigestible fiber. Your pet may try to eat grass to soothe an already upset stomach which is why some may think that grass makes them vomit, however they are usually sick with some other ailment.
If your pet seems fascinated with eating grass, you should first get them checked by your vet who will ensure your pup isn't suffering from nutritional deficits or other health problems. Then, you should make an effort to provide them with a safe source of grass. Backyard grass may be contaminated with pesticides, fertilizer, or parasites. Pet safe grass is available at many pet retailers and provides a safe plant source for your pets to satisfy their grazing urge.
Some pet owners may need the support of a professional pet trainer to help an animal who seems to consume grass or plants compulsively. If it interferes with their enjoyment of walks/hikes or potty breaks or if your pet isn't satisfied with normal pet grass & relentlessly gets into your houseplants, you should contact a trainer for evaluation.
More on vomiting in pets...
An isolated instance of vomiting in our pets may not be cause to run them to an emergency vet right away, however it is an important symptom to pay attention to. If your pet vomits, you should take the time to investigate. Perform an exam and take vital signs. Take a look around your house and yard to see if your pet may have gotten into something that could poison them or if they may have consumed a foreign body. If everything there seems normal, observe them closely for the next few hours and monitor their condition. If they display any of the following red flags, they need to be seen by a veterinarian same day:
Bloody vomit or diarrhea
"Coffee-grounds" stool
Constipation
Bloated and/or painful abdomen
Lethargy or hyperactivity
Agitation or pain
Pale, yellow, gray or blue gums
Refusal to eat or drink
You have reason to think they have been exposed to a poison
You have reason to think they consumed a foreign body/object
They are pregnant
Retching, gagging, coughing
You have a gut feeling that something is wrong
If you identify any of these symptoms, they could indicate a life threatening condition and you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
If you would like to learn more about doing a first aid assessment and recognizing a pet health emergency, check out our suite of pet health courses!
Learn more about your pet eating grass here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-do-dogs-eat-grass