Why do dogs eat grass? Many dog owners have probably asked themselves this question more than once, after all, the habit of eating grass and other types of plants is quite common in the lives of our furry friends! There are many possible justifications for this, from the nutritional value of the leaves to the personal taste of the animal. Want to know more? We explain the subject better below!

Why do dogs like to eat grass? Boredom and motion sickness are some of the reasons!

Okay, we get that eating grass is a normal behavior for dogs, but why is this habit so attractive to our puppies? The truth is that there is not just one answer to this question. Sometimes, the urge to eat the vegetable can be an indication that the pet is feeling some discomfort, such as nausea or any other digestive problem. The fibers present in the plantaccelerate intestinal transit and can also cause vomiting by expelling a possible cause of symptoms. So, if your dog eats grass and then vomits, there's the explanation!

Another possible justification is the animals' instinctive physiological need to consume the fibres and minerals present in the bush. Believe it or not, according to experts, dogs are omnivores, meaning they can get their nutrients from a variety of sources, including meat, grains, fruit and, as you might expect, vegetables.

In fact, grass and weeds have always been part of the dog's diet. This is because their wild ancestors fed mainly on small herbivores, such as mice and rabbits. These little animals, in turn, ate plants. You can understand everything, right? Indirectly, dogs ended up ingesting the plants eaten by their prey.

Finally, some dogs eat plants just because they are bored or anxious. In this case, it is worth keeping an eye on your pet's behavior, as this activity, at first normal, may end up turning into some obsessive-compulsive disorder. A dog eating grass rarely means that something is wrong, but even so, caution never hurts!

Is eating grass good for dogs? See the benefits!

Patas da Casa has already explained how eating grass can speed up intestinal transit and help the dog to vomit, relieving various types of discomfort, such as: stomach pain, poisoning, gastritis, worms, dry stools and colic. But there are still several other benefits caused by this craze for eating vegetables, did you know?

By adding fiber to your pet's diet, eating plants can also improve the intestinal tract, reducing the risk of bowel cancer, as well as being a great ally in removing parasites. The practice does not eliminate the chances of your puppy acquiring worms, but it can help in prevention.

Dog eating grass: do I have any reason to worry?

Can eating grass be bad for your dog? Unfortunately, in some cases, yes. While eating plants can help prevent parasites, the habit can also predispose to the appearance of these beings. This is because, depending on the area explored, the grass may be contaminated with viruses, parasite eggs and larvae. The last thing we want is all this inside our pet,So, pay attention to the plants your pet chooses.

Another possible complication is when the doggy ends up eating sticks along with the grass. If ingested in excess, wood can disrupt the digestion of dogs. Intestinal blockages cause a lot of discomfort and, if left untreated, are capable of threatening the life of your great friend. Therefore, if the animal shows symptoms such as a bloody nose, coughing, excessive saliva and a lot of vomiting,do not hesitate to seek professional advice.

How to prevent your dog from overeating grass?

The best way to control the amount of grass (and plants, in general) consumed by your pet is to watch him closely. When walking, walk your pet on a short leash and use treats as a distraction if you get that special interest in a plant. That way, the dog will be more interested in interacting with you instead of going around looking for a grass to call his own.