Why do dogs eat grass?

[Josie]

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I’ve always been told it’s to make themselves sick. Is this correct?

Dennis is currently in the garden grazing like a cow!!

 

[arealhuman]

If that's the reason, it doesn't seem to work with Jimmy. He'll stop and eat grass on occasion, but I think it's more to being addicted to eating (like his owner!) than anything else. We'll let him nibble a bit, then move him on.

 

[JudyN]

Sometimes it can be because of an upset tummy, but much of the time I reckon they just like the taste! They do seem to do it more in spring when the grass is at its most juicy and succulent.

 

[Josie]

Thanks both! I've never witnessed Den being sick afterwards so I think you're right in that they just like to eat it!

 

[arealhuman]

I have to tell Jimmy that he's not out for a buffet and try to make him move on, mostly unsuccessfully

 

[Sezzy]

Misty will have a munch on anything out on a walk, she is especially into that ‘sticky weed’ (don’t know it’s true name); always have to drag her away from a clump of it

 

[excuseme]

Our lot are aloud to eat grasses or wild herbs if that is what they want. sometimes it makes them sick, sometimes it goes straight through and comes out in a tangled mess. I am a firm believer that our dogs bodies know what is needed, so we don't interfere.
In the spring they love the sticky plant that we call "goose grass"

 

[Violet Turner]

I’ve always been told it’s to make themselves sick. Is this correct?

Dennis is currently in the garden grazing like a cow!!

I was trained by the vets that: cats eat grass to be sick, Dogs eat grass because they are thirsty or in need of water... Has Dennis got fresh clean water out?

 

[JoanneF]

I was trained by the vets that: cats eat grass to be sick, Dogs eat grass because they are thirsty or in need of water... Has Dennis got fresh clean water out?

Can't say I ever heard that one. Timber will eat grass and always has water. Where did you train and practise @Violet Turner?

 

[Violet Turner]

Can't say I ever heard that one. Timber will eat grass and always has water. Where did you train and practise @Violet Turner?

I just read through my notes: it can be a sign of poor digestion i.e. inflammatory bowel disease. Also, when a dog has no fresh water and the grass is nice and cold, especially in the morning when there are water drops on the grass, it is tempted to eat some in order to quench its thirst. But, one thing to keep in mind is that some herbicides and pesticides used to spray lawns can be very toxic, especially if they are ingested… grass is perfectly normal for a dog to eat, just keep in mind about dangerous sprays used on the grass!

 

[JudyN]

Ah - just one of many possible causes then

 

[Whippylove]

Both mine eat grass Oliver being the worst ( well he puts anything into his mouth even things that move) Marley loves eating it this time of year for some reason and doesn't bother as much in the summer.