Why do dogs eat grass?

Why do dogs eat grass?

It's known that dogs eat grass, but the reason why it is not yet known. We are not sure why they do that. But luckily University in California is doing research to find out the reason for it.

Dogs eat grass to purge themselves (myth)

The most widespread myth or the most widespread reason for this is that dogs eat grass to purge themselves, to feel better after infection or if they feel bad or this kind of reasoning.

In this study, they found that 68% of the dogs ate grass. So, we can say that dogs eat grass, it's a confirmation. Now we have to know why?

Well, of this 68% only 9% were sick. And of this 9%, only a small percentage vomited. This means that animals, dogs in particular, don't eat grass to purge themselves, it's not the main reason. 68% of dogs eat grass habitually. 9% of them showed symptoms of illness before eating grass. 22% of them vomited after eating grass. Eating grass or herbs is a natural behavior in dogs.

Dogs eat grass to cover their nutritional needs (myth)

Another speculation is that they eat grass to cover their nutritional needs. Their ancestors are wolves and it was normal for them because of course they fed on meat and they also needed to cover all their other needs. Therefore, because they lived in the forest they ate vegetation.

Nowadays dog feed already has all the nutrients they need. That's why they also ruled out this possibility. It's not due to nutritional deficiencies.

So we know that it's not the main reason. It's not to purge and it's not because of nutritional deficiencies. So why do dogs eat grass?

Dogs eat it because they like it

The main reason why they eat grass is very simple. First, they eat it because they like it. They use it as a snack, it's very tasty for them, not because they are sick.

Innate behavior

The second is because they carry it innate in their behavior since they already did it as wolves. It's something they have inherited and do.

Can dogs eat all types of herbs?

No. Of course not. Firstly, because, for example, in cities, grass contains pesticides that are very dangerous to dogs. We shouldn't let them eat this grass. And secondly, in nature, in the forest if you go hiking with your dog there may be toxic plants.

Plants, even if they are not toxic, can have larvae or eggs on them, and dogs that digest them can have digestive problems. So it's very important to make sure they don't eat them.

Dogs usually live at home, and surely you have some indoor plants. So it's very important for you to know that some plants are toxic.

Plants That Are Poisonous to dogs

We're going to mention some of most common, so you take it into account and be careful. 

Poinsettia.

It's very common during Christmas time. This plant has milky white sap that can cause serious problems in dogs. It can cause respiratory problems, dermatitis, stomach problems. It can spoil your dog's Christmas, so be very careful.

Ivy (Hedera)

Ivy (Hedera) is a very common plant, it can be both, indoors and outdoors and is also very toxic. This plant and especially its fruits even if the dog passes by, can already cause serious problems. It can cause cardiorespiratory problems, ulcers and dermatitis. So be very careful. It's a very common plant, especially in cities, in building so it can be anywhere.

Epipremnum aureum

The next plant we have is money plant (Epipremnum aureum), which is a very common plant, especially a hanging plant.

If you see any plant that is hanging from a shelf you can suspect that's it. This plant can cause serious respiratory problems, problems with throat and larynx in dogs so be very careful with this plant. And be aware of hanging plants.

Monstera deliciosa

Next plant is Monstera deliciosa. It's a plant that is very beautiful and very decorative so it's very common. This plant contains calcium oxalate which is very harmful to dogs.

It can cause damage especially to the upper part of the pharynx and the larynx, everything that is from the neck up. And if they ingest it, it's toxic for them, so also be careful with this plant.

Aloe vera

And finally on this list we have aloe vera, which is a very common plant that surely you all know. It has the same properties as the poinsettia. It has latex in sap. But it's not in the liquid that is inside the leaf when you cut it.

This plant causes exactly the same problems as other plants. Respiratory problems, ulcers, stomach problems, diarrhea. So you have to keep it aside as it's so common and it's in many homes. If you have a dog, it's better to keep it up high, in a place where dogs don't have access to.

Naturally you can't constantly control what the dog is eating on the street or at home. So we recommend you to use a muzzle, especially for dogs that are prone to picking up little things from the street.

Muzzle not only serves to prevent a dog from biting but also to prevent them from picking up things from the street. When they're puppies, it's highly recommended to always use a muzzle that is totally closed from the front.

If you choose the one that only covers the upper part but have a hole in the nose area, dogs can use their tongue to pick things up from the street.

So make sure it's completely closed and use it during your dog's education. Once your dog is educated, you will see that they no longer pick up things on the street.