Vet explains reason dogs eat grass – not because they feel sick

Does your dog constantly eat grass when they head out on a walk or to the park? Despite what you might be led to believe, it doesn’t mean they are feeling unwell. In reality, it’s something pet owners should still keep an eye on – but they have been reassured by a vet that they’re not trying to make themselves sick.

Understanding our pets can be difficult given their inability to speak to us directly. Dogs, however, use their entire bodies and specific traits to convey their feelings.

This is why keeping an eye on what your four-legged friend is doing can be extremely beneficial for owners and help give them an insight into what they are thinking and feeling.

Once owners spot behaviours, they will be far better placed to understand what they’re attempting to tell you. According to Catherine Henstridge, a UK-qualified small animal veterinary surgeon, if your pet eats grass is “normal and natural behaviour”.

She said: “Why do dogs eat grass? Lots of dogs love to, but is it okay? Lots of people worry that if their dog eats grass it means they’re feeling poorly, but actually studies have shown that less than 10% of dogs show any signs of illness when they choose to eat some extra greens.”

Why do dogs eat grass?

Catherine continued: “In fact, it’s a really normal and natural behaviour that we see both in wild dogs and also in wolves. So when your dog eats some grass, it’s not because they feel sick, it’s not because they’re trying to make themselves sick, it’s just because they like it.”

Dogs Trust, the leading UK charity, also gave an insight into why dogs eat grass, with another cause being boredom.

The charity said: “It might not be your idea of fun, but eating grass could be your dog looking for some stimulation if they’re bored. If you think boredom might be causing your dog to eat grass, provide them with some more enriching activities.

“If you run over to your dog every time they eat grass, they may learn it’s a good way of getting your attention. This may then encourage them to do it more often.

“Avoid giving your dog attention when they eat grass if you think they could be doing it for this reason. Make sure you reward and praise them for any other behaviours you want to see more of.”

When to contact a vet

Eating small amounts of grass is still a small part of a dog’s natural diet and shouldn’t do much harm. However, excessive amounts can irritate the stomach, causing your dog to throw it all back up.

Dogs Trust advise owners who notice their dog eating grass to get in touch with a vet if the behaviour is accompanied by the following symptoms.

The symptoms insluce eating other non-food items, not eating their regular meals, a change or any issues in toileting or vomiting.