Have you ever wondered why dogs eat grass and then vomit? Read this article to find out more information about dogs that eat grass and then throw up so you can better understand your dog’s behavior and determine if the dog suffers from any disease.
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If you’ve ever seen your dog chew grass for a while and then immediately throw it up, you’ve probably wondered why dogs do this. This behavior may seem strange to humans, but it’s frequent in dogs and just as in cats. Although many dog owners and veterinarians have tried to discover what causes dogs to eat grass, this behavior remains a mystery.
PSYCHOLOGICAL REASONS WHY DOGS EAT GRASS AND VOMIT
Although no one knows why dogs exhibit this behavior, some experts theorize that dogs eat grass to help resolve gastrointestinal problems. While many veterinarians believe that the reasons are psychological.
Below you will find information on some of the most common theories as to why, psychologically, dogs have the urge to eat grass, even though it makes them vomit.
DOGS EAT GRASS WHEN THEY ARE STRESSED, BORED, OR UPSET
Some vets believe dogs eat grass because they are bored, stressed, anxious, or upset about something. Dogs often eat grass when they stay alone in the backyard, which contributes to the idea that they’re not happy.
Also, some veterinarians believe that dogs eat grass to get their owners’ attention.
DOGS EAT GRASS INSTINCTIVELY
There may also be some instinctual reasons for this behavior.
Eating grass could be an instinctive behavior. Perhaps dogs naturally crave grass as part of their genetic makeup, dating back to when they hunted their own prey.
In the wild, canines ate an entire animal that provided an optimal diet, especially if the animal’s diet consisted of various plants.
Dogs that instinctively eat grass do not usually vomit afterward.
YOUR DOG LIKES THE TASTE OF GRASS
Finally, another psychological reason your dog enjoys eating grass is that he likes its taste. This idea that dogs like the taste and texture of the grass they chew are because some dogs only eat grass in certain places or at certain times of the year.
PHYSICAL REASONS WHY DOGS EAT GRASS AND VOMIT
Although dogs are not likely to benefit physically from eating grass, some physical reasons contribute to this behavior. Consult this list to check if your dog has any discomfort that leads it to eat grass.
STOMACH ACHE
Because the behavior of eating grass is related to vomiting, many pet owners think that dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach.
However, it’s hard to tell if your dog is vomiting from eating grass or if he vomits because he has an upset stomach and thought the grass would help.
Veterinarians are still unsure which leads to which in most situations. However, most grass-eating dogs appear to be completely fine beforehand, leading vets to believe that grass is the reason for the vomits.
Dogs are prone to several dangerous stomach and digestive disorders. If your dog shows symptoms of stomach problems, it may require veterinary attention.
If your dog vomits a lot, more than once after eating grass, or if he has frequent, watery diarrhea, it’s time to schedule a visit to the vet.
Dogs don’t habitually vomit after eating grass, and some dogs never do. Some dogs vomit due to the strange texture or taste of the grass rather than any digestive reason.
DOGS EAT GRASS FOR DIETARY REASONS
It is possible that your dog needs more fiber in his diet and therefore eats grass. If you notice that your dog eats grass frequently, especially right after a meal, surely he is not digesting his food well.
Try to include high-fiber food in your dog’s diet that has healthy sources of nutrients. An update on your furry friend’s diet can stop the grass-eating behavior.
Before changing your pets’ diet, please talk to your veterinarian.
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOUR DOG KEEPS EATING GRASS AND VOMITING
Your dog may eat grass because he is responding to a psychological need.
If your dog frequently eats grass and vomits, there’s probably not much to worry about. However, it is necessary to take your canine friend regularly to the vet.
Also, make sure your dog does not chew on grass that has been recently treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as this can be very dangerous and even toxic to them.
Your vet will let you know if there is anything you need to be aware of and also give you some suggestions on how to stop your dog from eating grass if you want him to stop.
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR DOG FROM EATING GRASS?
If you suspect your furry friend is eating grass because he’s bored, make sure he’s getting plenty of exercises. Get them involved in fun activities like throwing a ball and playing frisbee. Buy him a sturdy chew toy to keep him busy.
If your dog eats grass because of a nutritional deficiency, switching to better dog food, especially a high-fiber variety may help alleviate the problem.
Although most experts agree that eating grass is not harmful, some house and garden plants can be toxic, especially if ingested. To make sure the plants in and around the area where your dog eats grass aren’t dangerous, check the ASPCA animal poison control center website, which has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants.