June 10th, 2020 by Amy Varley

If you’ve ever noticed your dog munching on grass in your garden or out during a walk, you might be wondering why? Especially if they’ve vomited it back up straight away – what on earth is my poor dog doing? Let’s take a look at why dogs might be eating grass and if there is anything you should do about it.

Why?

A number of dog owners think that dogs eat grass because they are feeling unwell, as it usually makes them sick – so eating grass to bring up any bile or foreign objects in their stomach or throat. Some dogs graze on grass and don’t throw up, suffering no ill effects, so surely this can’t be the case! Some vets have suggested that a lack of something in a dog’s diet could be the cause for them eating grass, with them trying to make up for a nutritional deficiency, but there haven’t been enough studies on this for us to know if it is true or not.

Studies have shown that there isn’t really any proof that dogs eat grass because they are under the weather or lacking something in their diet, with the most likely reason for dogs to eat grass is simply that they like the taste of it. This is likely, as dogs normally only eat grass in spring and summer when it is the greenest and fresh!

Should I Do Anything?

In short – no! If your dog only occasionally eats grass or eats it regularly in small amounts, then there shouldn’t really be anything to worry about. You must ensure that the grass they are eating, however, is free from any harmful pesticides that could have been sprayed on it, and also that your dog is protected from lungworm, which is commonly passed on by snails and slugs, that could have been on the grass.

When does it become a problem?

If your dog is obsessively eating grass or eating an excessive amount, this could be a sign of a deeper problem! You should consult your veterinarian if your dog is eating grass but not their food, if your dog is eating grass and seems lethargic or appears under the weather, or if your dog is eating grass and forcing themselves to vomit repeatedly. These could all be caused by underlying issues.

Alternatively, if your dog seems to be eating grass because they are bored, this could mean that you need to include more enrichment in their day! This could include more stimulating walks or brain games to tire your dog out mentally.

If you suspect your dog has eaten grass that could have been sprayed with harmful pesticides, or your dog is showing signs of feeling unwell after they’ve eaten some grass, it is always best to visit your vet at the first opportunity just to be on the safe side.

If your dog is eating small amounts of grass and acting fine in themselves, there’s not really anything to worry about – so let your dog be a dog!