Dogs have many behaviors that their owners don't understand. One of the most perplexing is the habit of eating grass. Puppies do it as well as older dogs. Many dogs develop habits over time, but eating or chewing on grass seems to be one that begins as soon as they are able to maneuver around the yard. Researchers and veterinarians offer many valid reasons why dogs eat grass, but in the end it may come down to the fact that they like the taste.
Many veterinarians believe that dogs eat grass out of boredom. Others believe that dogs will eat grass when they have an upset stomach or to make themselves vomit. Grass is s staple for many animals providing fiber and nutritional support needed to improve the digestive system. Dogs, are not considered to be “grazers”, however, and when they are seen eating grass, many pet owners begin to worry. The fact is, it is not bad for them and will not hurt them in any way.
Normally when a dog eats grass, they vomit within a few minutes. Although the dog may not seem ill prior to ingesting the grass, they may have eaten something that didn't agree with them. The coarser the grass, the more it will irritate the stomach, causing the dog to vomit. The dog will often continue to eat grass and vomit until whatever is in their stomach that is upsetting them is evacuated.
Is It Bad For Them?
Eating grass is not bad for your pet. The only time it will pose any type of hazard is when it has been chemically treated with fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or other toxic chemicals. Grass does contain a modest amount of nutrients and is extremely high in fiber. Veterinarians suggest the high fiber content is what causes the dog to regurgitate after consuming it. Other than the vomiting, dogs don't appear to suffer any adverse side effects from eating grass.
Small blades of grass that are softer in texture may pass through the digestive system. If it is seen in the pet's stool, there is no cause for alarm. In fact, it may have helped to eliminate worms, clean their digestive tract and helped to improve the digestive system. The softer the grass, the more likely it is to be swallowed and partially digested, providing the animal with at least a few extra nutrients they may need.
How To Provide Grass During A Drought
In areas where drought conditions are prevalent and watering a lawn is prohibited, it may be difficult for a dog to find any viable green grass to snack on. If you are worried that your dog may be missing something he needs, you have a few options available to you to help him out. You can include a small area of natural grass in a landscaped area that is close to the edge and easily accessible to your pet. If you have an indoor pet, you can grow certain types of grass in small flower boxes that are low to the ground and easy for them to reach.
Grass can be easily grown almost anywhere. Drought resistant varieties can be found that are ideal for areas that are constantly facing watering restrictions. Many communities in hard hit areas have resorted to ticketing homeowners who use water unnecessarily. Keeping a small plot watered as part of a landscaped area may be acceptable if it is not overly large and is only water on an occasional basis. Check your local water board or Chamber of Commerce to find out if your city or town has water restrictions in place and what types of activities are limited.
