The question is, Why Is my Doodle dog chewing grass? Is your dog desperate to eat grass every time he goes outside?
Grass-eating may be worrisome for some Doodle dog owners, but as it turns out, it may not mean anything at all. Today we will explore why dogs eat grass and how to stop it.
Though many hypotheses exist, no one is 100% certain why dogs eat grass. But, to put it simply, there isn’t enough research to pinpoint precisely why dogs occasionally eat grass.
Few studies are on this topic. And, since dogs can’t express what they are experiencing, it can be hard to determine the cause.
We can make some guesses to this question using what we know about a dog’s psychology, biology, and ancestry. Here are a few reasons researchers think dogs eat grass.
Upset Stomach
It has been a long-accepted thought that a dog eats grass when sick. It was reasoned that they might be eating grass to induce vomiting to relieve an upset stomach.
But, recent studies have found that this is not always true. The percentage of dogs eating grass and vomiting is only 25%.
That means 75% of the time, a dog eats grass for other reasons. This research leads us to believe that your dog could eat grass for many reasons.
And there is always the question of when did the stomach ache occur? Did the dog eat the grass because of a stomach ache? Or did he get it after ingesting the grass?
We may never know the answer since we can not ask our fellow companions these questions. But, if you ever think your dog may be ill, please get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
Dietary Supplement
Some studies have shown that dogs will only eat certain types of grass. When they do this, they may be missing some dietary supplements.
The grass is high in fiber and other vitamins they could be missing out on. While this is the least likely answer, it is not impossible.
It is least likely because we feed our dogs nutrient-rich kibble. Even the lowest-quality dog kibble has to meet the AAFCO standards.
But, if you feel your dog may be missing essential parts of his diet, you may want to switch him to high-quality food. You can also give vitamins in addition to any dry kibble to fulfill all dietary needs.
Psychological
We all know that sometimes our Doodles act out to get our attention, which may be the case with grass-eating. If your dog is desperate to eat grass for recognition, he may be bored, lonely, or anxious.
Some Doodles like to get a reaction from you if they feel ignored. This reaction doesn’t always have to be a good one.
Assess the situation and determine if your Doodle has enough stimulation. Ensure you have a proper rotation of toys and puzzles for when you are away.
And, take your Doodle for more frequent walks around the neighborhood to blow off some energy. And the most important thing is to spend time with them.
Put your phone down and spend quality time with your Doodle daily. They thrive off your attention and will do anything to get it.
Instinct
Some research has shown that wolves are scavengers that regularly eat grass. There are even wolves they found preserved for thousands of years with grass in their stomachs.
It is thought that wolves will eat grass to fill their stomachs when food is scarce. If your Doodle only eats grass on occasion, this may be the likely cause.
We have bred our dogs for generations, but some instincts will always remain. To solve this problem, read the instructions on your food packages carefully.
Ensure you feed appropriately for your dog’s size and age. You can even split up their meals to keep them full longer.
Like It
Some Doodles will eat grass simply because they like it. They never throw up after and may only eat it occasionally.
They like the taste, and so they will take a few nibbles here and there. Some sweeter grass may have a pleasant smell and taste, so they may take a few bites as a snack.
There is nothing wrong with them eating grass as a snack, but you may want to find healthier alternatives.
Treats high in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only are they good for them, but it gives them something a little different to chew on, which can cure the craving.
When You Should Worry
Generally, eating grass is nothing to worry about. But, you should always keep an eye on your dog and look for signs that grass eating is the cause of something more serious.
Look for signs such as:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- A sudden increase in grass-eating
- Diarrhea
- Large amounts of vomiting
- Low energy levels
- Blood in stools or vomit
If your Doodle experiences any of these things, call your vet to make an appointment ASAP. These are all signs of more serious medical conditions that could be life-threatening.
Why You Shouldn’t Allow Grass-Eating
While eating grass is not toxic to your Doodle, how we care for our lawns can be. We often use insecticides on our lawns to keep them bug-free.
These chemicals can be hazardous to your Doodle’s gut if ingested. We also use fertilizers in our gardens to keep them green and lush throughout the year.
These chemicals can cause severe damage to your pup if they eat them.
There is also a risk of eating animal waste while eating grass. Outdoor cats and wild animals use the bathroom wherever they are at. This can pose a threat of intestinal disease and parasites.
So while eating grass is not harmful, the chemicals we use and animal waste can be. If you use any chemicals on your lawn, keeping your dog from eating the grass at all costs is best.
How To Stop Dog Eating Grass
If your dog has no medical conditions that may cause grass-eating, your next action plan is to train them to stop. Training can be challenging, but it is possible with patience and persistence.
Do Not Leave Them Alone
Do not leave your dog alone in the yard during this training process. Keeping them leashed when possible is an excellent way to prevent your dog from eating grass.
Walking them on a leash is the most effective method during the training process.
Once you know that your dog will not eat your lawn anymore, feel free to give him free rein of your yard with supervision. Then you can leave him alone once you can completely trust him.
Teach Commands
During these supervised walks or playtimes, teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “come.” Both of these commands will be helpful in many situations.
A Doodle that knows these commands well will drop everything to listen to you. Teaching them the “come” command helps remove them from situations.
Your dog has wandered into a neighbor’s yard to eat grass. With a well-trained dog, you can tell them to leave it and come with no issues at all.
Doodles are highly intelligent, so it won’t take your dog long to catch on that you tell him to stop every time he eats grass. Soon he will make the connection that this is bad.
But you will need to give him something that he can chew on. Small training treats or chewing bones are great to relieve that urge to eat.
Pet Grass
If your dog eats grass just for the taste, pet grass will give a tasty and healthy treat. You can buy pet grass, like Todd’s Seeds.
These seeds turn into delicious wheatgrass that is high in fiber and tastes fantastic. It can provide a safe snack alternative for any pet you feel proud of.
You can plant these seeds in a pot or pad to always have a fresh patch. Wheatgrass grows fast and survives in colder weather too. So your dog will enjoy them all year round.
Vegetable Treats
If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! You can also provide your dog with a high-fiber snack with fresh vegetables. Dogs love cut-up carrots as a training treat.
Or even an occasional green bean. These treats are healthy and provide a pure source of nutrients they might crave.
You can use these treats as an excellent reward for leaving the grass alone during walks or potty times.
In Conclusion
While your dog eating grass and vomiting is never a good sign, the chances are that your dog will be perfectly fine.
Hopefully, with these possible explanations and solutions, you can stop a dog desperate to eat grass before it becomes an issue. Don’t forget to follow our blog for more intriguing information on Doodle!
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