How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass

Posted on March 19, 2022 by resourcefulman

Dogs, like people, prefer certain foods over others. Maybe your child prefers one brand of kibble or chewy treats over crunchy ones. But what about grass?

If your pup has a habit of chewing some grass in the early morning or afternoon—or tends to gravitate toward grass several times more than others—you might be wondering what’s going on and whether it might harm your dog. Here’s what you need to know.

Why do dogs eat grass?

There are several different reasons why dogs snack on grass. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Memphis Veterinarians , the most common are:

Indigestion : If your dog eats grass, vomits, and then seems to feel better, it may be due to indigestion. Sometimes dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit so they can release bile or other stomach acids.
Anxiety : Some dogs eat grass when they are nervous or to deal with separation anxiety.
Boredom : If your dog is alone and eating grass, it may be because he is bored and wants company.
Dietary Deficiency : Dogs that eat grass may have an unbalanced diet or may need more fiber.

Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?

There are several factors to consider when considering whether it is safe for your dog to eat grass.

Grass, especially in parks or other yards, may have been sprayed with herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers that may be toxic to your dog. Also, if there is any feces in the grass, it could lead to your dog eating parasites like roundworms and hookworms .

If your dog is otherwise healthy and is on regular parasite medication, a small amount of weed probably won’t hurt him, but it’s best to avoid it.