Dogs eat grass for many reasons, such as boredom, fiber, or upset stomach, and sometimes vomit afterward. Occasional grass eating is normal.
Why
- Boredom or anxiety.
- Upset stomach, nausea or acid reflux.
- Fiber or nutrient needs.
- Instinct and habit.
Facts
About 68% of dogs eat plants daily (UC Davis study). Only a fraction vomit.
Risks
Pesticides, parasites and chemicals on grass.
See a vet
If your dog eats grass frequently and vomits, or has diarrhea, or lethargy.
Prevention
Provide more exercise, and a quality diet.
Common theories
Grass eating (pica) is common. A survey of dog owners reported that about 79% of dogs eat grass at some point. Reasons include:
- Natural scavenging behavior inherited from wild ancestors, which ate plant matter.
- Boredom or anxiety.
- Needing more fiber in the diet.
- Liking the taste or texture.
- Upset stomach, with the dog eating grass to soothe it.
Vomiting link
Fewer than 25% of dogs seem ill before eating grass, and only about 25% of dogs that eat grass vomit afterward, according to a University of California, Davis survey of 1,500 owners. So grass eating may not be a way of treating illness. Grass tickles the stomach and can trigger vomiting in some dogs.
Risks
- Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on lawns can be toxic.
- Intestinal parasites from contaminated grass or feces.
- Sharp grass blades or foxtails (awns) that can lodge in the throat or nose.
- Toxic plants such as sago palm and lilies.
Prevention
- Provide a high quality, balanced diet and ask the vet about fiber.
- Offer chew toys and exercise.
- Redirect with training commands such as “leave it.”
- Grow safe dog grass or wheatgrass indoors.
- Avoid treated lawns.
- Use a leash in areas with unknown chemicals.
When to worry
Frequent, compulsive grass eating, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, lethargy, diarrhea, weight loss or poor appetite could signal gastrointestinal disease, and needs a vet exam.
Puppies
Young dogs eat grass more often. Most outgrow it.
Poison control
If the dog ate sprayed grass, call a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Why it happens
Studies suggest about 68 percent of dogs show signs of eating grass and only about 22 percent vomit afterward, according to a 2008 survey of owners at UC Davis. Grass eating is common and usually not a sign of illness. Possible reasons include dietary fiber, boredom, instinct and sometimes stomach upset. Dogs do not appear to choose grass specifically to induce vomiting in most cases.
When to call a vet
Frequent grass eating with repeated vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea or blood suggests a medical problem. Avoid treated lawns, since pesticides and herbicides are toxic. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number is (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Feeding high quality food with enough fiber and giving exercise can reduce the habit.
Based on data from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the ASPCA
