Good news! It’s perfectly fine for dogs to chew on grass. Many dogs love the strong smell of fresh greenery. However, sometimes grass nibbling may indicate that your furry friend is dealing with physical or emotional discomfort. This article will guide you through distinguishing between normal grass-chewing behavior and red flags, and provide tips for enhancing your dog’s enjoyment of green feasts.
What is considered normal? First, let’s clarify the normal range of grass eating in dogs. If Fido eats grass occasionally, or even regularly, with no ill effects – no vomiting, no obvious pain – there’s usually nothing to worry about. If your dog fits this profile, read on to enhance your pet’s grass-eating habits.
Does your dog have gastrointestinal distress? It’s not normal for dogs to vomit or drool after eating grass. This could mean that the grass is upsetting their intestines, or that they were already feeling sick before they ate the grass. To solve this grass dilemma, try offering self-seeded barley or wheat grass (planting steps ahead) instead of random lawn grass. Barley and wheatgrass are gentler on your furry companion’s digestive system. If your faithful companion continues to show signs of vomiting after switching to these grasses, Zera recommends:
-
Parasite check. A quick check for intestinal parasites with your veterinarian through a simple fecal analysis may reveal these pesky “worms” that can upset your dog’s stomach. Thankfully, they are easy to treat and can greatly improve your pet’s health.
-
Add fiber to their diet. Adding green beans, shredded carrots, squash, or zucchini to your dog’s meals helps with digestion. But be careful with one thing – go slow! If overdone, especially with squash or zucchini, it may result in bright orange feces.
-
Make a diagnosis. It may be wise to consult your veterinarian for further tests, including an ultrasound or specialized blood tests to check intestinal and pancreatic conditions. Both of these tests are non-invasive and can be done quickly. Remember not to feed your furball for 12 hours prior to your vet appointment (although drinking water is fine) to ensure the most accurate results.
By following these Zella-approved tips, you can stay on top of your dog’s health and allow them to make eating grass a happy, healthy pastime.