Current:Home > FinanceWhy is my dog eating grass? 5 possible reasons, plus what owners should do -CapitalSource
Why is my dog eating grass? 5 possible reasons, plus what owners should do
View
Date:2025-04-16 11:38:14
Pet owners have a lot of responsibilities – you’ve got to bathe, walk and feed them and, of course, shower them with plenty of love.
When it comes to food, a nutritional, balanced diet is best but sometimes your dog has an idea of their own. They may forego their kibble dinner for fallen scraps, their own poop or even grass. Not all human foods and outdoor plants are safe for dogs to eat, so it’s important to keep an eye on their snacking tendencies.
Should you be concerned if you catch your furry friend munching on grass?
Why do dogs eat grass?
Eating grass may seem strange to us, but it’s fairly common for dogs. One study from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that 68% of dogs eat grass or plants on a daily to weekly basis.
Here are some reasons they might pick up the habit:
Learned behavior
It could be something they learned from another dog or over time. Puppies of mothers who ate grass are more likely to mimic the behavior, says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a professor emeritus at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
Soothing
Dogs get acid reflux just like we do, and they may try to soothe it by eating grass, veterinarian Diana Watkins previously told USA TODAY. This is why you may see grass or sticks in their vomit.
Pica
Dogs who eat grass might have a condition called pica, which causes the compulsive eating of non-food items, like grass or rocks, according to Great Pet Care.
Connections to the wild
They may also be following their ancestral instincts. Wild dogs get much of their fiber from grass or sticks from the stomachs of the prey they eat.
“Their official diets are not getting that, so there may be some natural tendency to eat grass," Houpt says.
Curiosity
In some cases, dogs might put grass in their mouth to investigate interesting smells. Dogs have an organ between the nose and mouth called the vomeronasal organ, which is their “sixth sense,” according to Houpt.
“If it really wants to figure out who passed through here or who urinated here, having the grass in their mouth will allow them to perceive that much better,” she said.
Should I let my dog eat grass?
Occasional grazing is not a problem, but you should be mindful of any herbicides or pesticides sprayed on grass that are toxic to dogs. Parasites like hookworms or roundworms are another concern – they can come from fecal residue from other dogs and are harmful for your dog to ingest.
If your dog is eating grass and vomiting constantly, they most likely have gastrointestinal problems – it’s time to see the vet, Houpt says.
You can train your dog to stop eating grass by bringing treats on walks and accompanying them when they go out to relieve themselves, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Gently distract them or give a verbal cue if they reach down to take a bite.
Why is my dog throwing up?Seek help if their vomit is one of these colors
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Do dogs smile?" to "Why is my dog staring at me?" to "How to treat a dog ear infection" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (2477)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Harris and Trump are jockeying for battleground states after their debate faceoff
- Southern Baptist trustees back agency president but warn against needless controversy
- 2024 MTV VMAs: Katy Perry Makes Coy Reference to Orlando Bloom Sex Life While Accepting Vanguard Award
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's PDA-Filled 2024 MTV VMAs Moments Will Have You Feeling Wide Awake
- Aubrey Plaza, Stevie Nicks, more follow Taylor Swift in endorsements and urging people to vote
- Michigan leaders join national bipartisan effort to push back against attacks on the election system
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- 71-year-old boater found dead in Grand Canyon, yet another fatality at the park in 2024
Ranking
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- North Carolina’s public universities cut 59 positions as part of a massive DEI overhaul this summer
- Tyreek Hill calls for firing of police officer involved in Sunday's incident
- Hundreds gather on Seattle beach to remember American activist killed by Israeli military
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Shopping on impulse? Most of us make impulse buys. Here's how to stop.
- Tennessee senator and ambassador to China Jim Sasser has died
- Judge orders Tyrese into custody over $73K in child support: 'Getting arrested wasn't fun'
Recommendation
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Fearless Fund drops grant program for Black women business owners in lawsuit settlement
Arizona’s 2-page ballots could make for long lines on Election Day
Jordan Chiles Says Her Heart Is Broken After Having Olympic Medal Stripped
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
Laura Loomer, who promoted a 9/11 conspiracy theory, joins Trump for ceremonies marking the attacks
Colin Jost Details Relationship Between Son Cosmo and Scarlett Johansson's Daughter Rose
New Orleans Saints staff will stay in team's facility during Hurricane Francine