Animals and Pet Care
Eating Grass - by Ruff Spot Grooming
Have you ever caught your dog eating
grass?
This is a common behavior that
confuses most pet owners. There are several theories about why dogs
eat grass:
IT'S A NORMAL PART OF A CANINE DIET.
Wild canines eat the grasses that are in the intestines of their
prey, so it's not unusual or unhealthy for a dog to ingest grass.
Most dog foods also have pretty sizable amounts of vegetable
protein.
THEY EAT IT TO SETTLE THEIR STOMACHS.
Nobody really knows for sure if dogs eat grass to settle their
stomachs or induce vomiting. Be aware, however, that some grasses
(particularly suburban grass lawns) are often treated with
potentially toxic pesticides and fertilizers that your dog might
ingest along with the grass, and these might induce vomiting.
THEY MAY LIKE TO EAT IT. Some dogs
may like to eat grasses and plants -- and whatever grows on them.
You may find your dog acting as a vegetable connoisseur by eating
the grasses, vegetables and fruits in your garden simply because she
likes the taste.
It's hard to stop your dog from
eating grass unless you watch him when he's outside or prevent him
from going outside. Some dog's grass-eating habits have been known
to decrease if fed fresh vegetables. However, always consult your
vet before altering or supplementing your dog's diet. If your dog
eats grass excessively and then vomits, she might be suffering from
a gastrointestinal problem such as gastritis or inflammatory bowl
disease. If you suspect this, make a veterinary appointment right
away to obtain a diagnosis.
Don't be alarmed by a little grass
munching. It's a common canine behavior. If your dog exhibits other
signs of continual intestinal upset, however, talk to your vet.
Submitted by Ruff Spot Mobile
Grooming. Contact Heidi at 698-RUFF(7833) or email her at
ruffspot@sympatico.ca
