WHY DOES MY DOG EAT GRASS?

WHY DOES MY DOG EAT GRASS?

Grass eating amongst dogs is actually quite common and is a question I often get asked by clients. Many dog guardians are concerned that their dogs are eating grass in order to purge and make themselves sick because they are unwell or have a stomach upset, or because they are lacking in vitamins or minerals.

Some dogs consume grass and vomit afterwards but studies show less than 25% of dogs who eat grass actually vomit and only 10% of dogs show illness prior to grass eating.

In my botanical training and from my own observations, I believe there are several things that could influence our dogs eating grass depending on how they eat and which types of grasses they choose.

Longer, course grass – tends to be urgently eaten - the dog rips at the grass and swallows, almost without chewing. This can result in vomiting almost immediately, often regurgitating with large amounts of frothy, white liquid which is stringy, sticky and difficult to clear up.

This is thought to help the dog to rid himself of excess bacteria in the digestive tract, rid themselves of internal parasites or if they do not vomit, to provide roughage. Lack of roughage in the diet can impair the dog’s ability to digest food and pass normal, fully formed stools.

Shorter, tender shoots – tend to be more delicately chosen, often with the dog nibbling at the top of the grass. The whole process is slower and more deliberate and rarely results in vomiting.

Some dogs are thought to select this shorter grass for its nutritional value. Often our dogs are fed commercially made, ultra heat treated foods where little of the nutrients are left following the manufacturing process. Grass is known to contain protein, chlorophyll, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamins C and E.

Roots and soil – dogs can sometimes be seen digging and ingesting roots and soil at the base of grasses. This, at times, can be frenzied and may result in soil getting stuck behind the front teeth and adhering to the top of the mouth. You may see the dog having difficulty closing or pawing at his mouth – assistance may be required.

Gut microbiome and intestinal health

Grass, roots and soil eating has been linked to a disturbance in the gut flora – or microbiome. When the gastrointestinal tract is working well the micro-organisms and beneficial bacteria break down food to provide nutrients which can be easily utilized by the body. If the microbiome has been disturbed in any way for example by antibiotic use (even just one course), pharmaceutical medications or food additives this can alert the body to instinctively seek out plants and other nutrients from their environment to help redress the balance. Soil naturally contains probiotics, probiotics help the dog’s own good gut bacteria thrive and help to support immune function.

Anxiety

Long term anxiety and stress is known to upset the gut microbiome and therefore an anxious dog may also seek out grass, soil, roots and other plants in order to support his wellbeing.

I also believe my own dogs like the taste of sweet, fresh spring grass as this when nutrients are in abundance.

What to look out for

If your dog is selecting grass, look for other signs that may indicate a gut microbiome imbalance or gastro intestinal discomfort.

Poorly formed stools which are difficult to pick up
Coprophagia (eating their own or other dogs/animals stools)
Excess wind
Indigestion, lip licking or belching
Bad breath
Vomiting or bringing up bile
Stretching, looking round at their stomach
Unable to settle
Scratching and itching
Licking paws, legs, tummies
Spending time alone or increase in attention seeking or vocalisation
Reactivity towards other people/dogs

If you are at all concerned about your dog your first port of call should always be your Vet, please contact them to rule out ill health particularly if grass eating has become compulsive or excessive.

A word of caution

If your dog is eating grass in the environment there is the potential for him to ingest toxic herbicide pesticide and fertilizer residues along with parasites such as hook and roundworms left in the faecal residue from other dogs. Slugs, snails, frogs and toads can be infected with Lungworm and if your dog accidently, or intentionally eats them or comes into contact with the 'slime trails' they leave behind, he could become infected too. Making sure you bring in toys and water bowls from the garden can also help reduce likelihood of lungworm infection.

Botanical Self Selection

In order to offer your dog the safest way to top up on nutrients to support well being or bring himself back to health, asking a Practitioner of Botanical Self Selection (Zoopharmacognosy) to work with you and your dog is a safe, effective alternative.

Botanical Self Selection works on the principle that animals have an innate sense of ‘knowing’ (like grass eating) when they have body imbalances. By facilitating your dog to choose from a range of dried herbs, nutrients, clays, aromatic hydrosols and essentials oils they are free to select which plant extracts they need to return to balance.

I have been working with Botanicals for a while now and am constantly amazed by the reactions of dogs when they find ‘their remedy’.

If you would like to know more about Botanical Self Healing for Dogs and the work I do here at Canine Senses please do not hesitate to get in touch for a, free of charge, no obligation, chat about how we could work together to support your dog.

Email: caninesenses@btinternet.com