Many dogs munch on grass during walks. This behavior can stem from a variety of causes. This article delves deeper into why dogs eat grass, the multiple ways it can harm them, and comprehensive strategies to stop this behavior.
Why Eating Grass Is Problematic for Dogs
Grass-eating is a common canine behavior, but it’s not without risks. Persistent consumption leads to health complications, especially if the behavior is excessive or linked to environmental or psychological factors. Below, we explore nine distinct ways grass-eating can harm your dog.
Digestive Irritation and Blockages
Grass is not a natural part of a dog’s diet and is difficult for their digestive system to process. The fibrous texture can irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, large amounts of grass can clump together, causing intestinal blockages. Symptoms of a blockage include lethargy, loss of appetite, and persistent vomiting.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Grass in public parks, neighborhood lawns, and your own yard may be treated with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These chemicals are toxic to dogs and cause poisoning, with symptoms ranging from drooling, nausea to tremors, seizures, and organ failure. For example, glyphosate-based herbicides, commonly used on lawns, have been linked to health risks in pets. Always check whether grass in your dog’s environment is chemical-free.
Parasite Infections
Grass can serve as a breeding ground for parasites like hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and protozoa such as giardia. Ingesting contaminated grass can lead to parasitic infections, which may cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, or a dull coat. Regular deworming and fecal tests, as recommended by your vet, are crucial to prevent and detect these infections early.
Allergic Reactions
Some dogs are allergic to specific types of grass, pollen, and mold spores found in grassy areas. Eating grass triggers allergic reactions, manifesting as skin irritations (redness, itching), ear infections, or respiratory issues. Breeds with sensitive skin, such as Bulldogs or Retrievers, may be particularly prone. If your dog shows signs of allergies, a vet can perform tests to identify triggers and prescribe antihistamines or other treatments.
Choking Hazards and Physical Injuries
Long or tough grass blades, especially those with sharp edges or awns (like foxtails), can pose choking hazards and cause physical injuries. Grass awns can lodge in a dog’s throat, gums, and digestive tract. This can lead to pain, infections, and even perforations. Foxtails are particularly dangerous. They can migrate into the body. Regularly inspect your dog’s mouth and coat after outdoor time to catch these hazards early.
Dental Damage
Chewing on tough grass or grass mixed with debris can damage a dog’s teeth. This is especially concerning for puppies or older dogs with weaker teeth. Cracked or chipped teeth can lead to pain, infections, and costly dental procedures. Providing safe chew toys can redirect this behavior and protect your dog’s dental health.
Exacerbation of Underlying Medical Conditions
Frequent grass-eating may be a symptom of underlying health issues, such as gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease), pancreatic insufficiency, or pain from arthritis. For example, dogs with nausea may eat grass to induce vomiting, seeking relief. A thorough veterinary exam, including bloodwork or imaging, can pinpoint these issues.
Behavioral Reinforcement of Anxiety or Boredom
As you’ve previously noted with your dog’s licking and thunderstorm anxiety, repetitive behaviors can be linked to stress. Grass-eating may become a compulsive habit for dogs experiencing anxiety, separation issues, and insufficient mental stimulation. This behavior reinforces their stress cycle. It is then hard to break without addressing the root cause. Behavioral interventions can be effective here.
Nutritional Imbalances
Some dogs eat grass to compensate for dietary deficiencies. This is particularly common in dogs fed low-quality diets. Over time, nutritional imbalances can lead to poor coat quality, weakened immunity, and digestive issues. A canine nutritionist can assess your dog’s diet and recommend adjustments to ensure it meets their needs.
In total, grass-eating can harm dogs in at least nine ways, ranging from physical risks like digestive blockages and toxin exposure to behavioral and nutritional concerns. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of addressing this behavior proactively to safeguard your dog’s health.
How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Grass
Stopping your dog from eating grass requires a multifaceted approach. Incorporate insights from your interest in managing canine anxiety and puzzle toys, to provide a comprehensive, actionable plan. These steps are designed to be practical, effective, and tailored to your dog’s needs.
Consult a Veterinarian for a Comprehensive Health Check
The first step is to rule out medical causes. Grass-eating can be a symptom of conditions like gastritis, parasites, and dietary deficiencies. Schedule a vet visit for a full physical exam, including bloodwork, fecal tests, and possibly imaging to check for digestive issues. If your dog has a history of anxiety, mention this, as stress-related conditions like pica (eating non-food items) could be a factor. Follow your vet’s recommendations, which may include medications, dietary changes, or further diagnostics.
Optimize Your Dog’s Diet
A balanced diet for your dog can reduce the urge to eat grass. Some dogs seek grass to supplement fiber or other nutrients missing from their food. Work with your vet to evaluate your dog’s current diet and consider switching to a premium brand with digestible proteins, healthy fats, and adequate fiber.
For example, adding fiber-rich foods like canned pumpkin (1–2 tablespoons daily) or cooked green beans can promote digestive health and reduce grass cravings. Avoid abrupt diet changes. These can upset your dog’s stomach.
Enhance Mental and Physical Stimulation
As you’ve shown interest in puzzle toys, you know that boredom and anxiety can drive unwanted behaviors. Grass-eating may be a sign your dog needs more engagement, similar to excessive licking or thunderstorm-related stress.
Increase physical exercise with activities tailored to your dog’s breed and energy level. Herding breeds like Border Collies may enjoy agility courses, while scent-driven breeds like Beagles thrive on tracking games. Mentally stimulating toys, such as treat-dispensing balls, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders, can keep your dog occupied.
Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of combined physical and mental activity daily.
Train a Reliable “Leave It” Command
Teaching your dog to “leave it” is an effective way to stop grass-eating, similar to training for other impulse-control behaviors. Start indoors with a low-distraction environment: place a treat on the floor, say “leave it,” and reward your dog with a different treat when they ignore it.
Gradually increase difficulty by practicing near grass during walks, using a leash to gently guide them away if needed. Reward compliance with high-value treats like chicken or cheese. Consistent practice—5–10 minutes daily—can make this command second nature, giving you control in grassy areas.
Supervise and Manage Outdoor Time
Close supervision is key to preventing grass-eating, especially in unfamiliar or chemically treated areas. During walks, keep your dog on a short leash to limit access to grass, particularly in public spaces where pesticides or parasites may be present.
In your backyard, create a designated play area with safe surfaces like mulch or gravel, or use a portable pet pen to restrict grass access. If your dog tries to eat grass, redirect their attention with a toy, treat, or command like “sit” to shift their focus.
Consistency is crucial—avoid letting the behavior go unchecked.
Create a Safe, Chemical-Free Environment
Ensure your dog’s outdoor spaces are free of harmful chemicals. If you maintain a lawn, use pet-safe, organic lawn care products and avoid herbicides like Roundup.
Check with neighbors or park authorities about chemical use in shared spaces. For dogs that enjoy chewing greenery, consider growing a small patch of pet-safe plants, such as wheatgrass or catnip, in a pot or garden bed.
These alternatives can satisfy their chewing instinct without the risks of lawn grass. Regularly mow and inspect your yard to remove sharp grass awns or debris.
Address Anxiety and Stress Triggers
Your prior concerns about your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety and licking suggest that stress could contribute to grass-eating. Anxiety-driven behaviors often require a combination of environmental changes, training, and calming aids. Identify potential stressors—loud noises, separation, and routine changes—and address them.
For example, create a safe space where your dog can retreat. Calming aids like pheromone diffusers (Adaptil), anxiety wraps (ThunderShirt), or vet-prescribed medications can help. A certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can design a desensitization plan for severe cases.
Offer Safe Chewing Alternatives
Redirect your dog’s chewing instinct with safe, engaging alternatives, building on your interest in puzzle toys. Durable chew toys, dental chews, or frozen treats can satisfy their need to chew.
Edible options like raw carrots, apple slices (no seeds), or dehydrated sweet potato chews are healthy and appealing. Introduce new toys or treats gradually to gauge your dog’s interest, and rotate them weekly to maintain novelty. Supervise chewing to prevent choking or overconsumption.
Use Positive Reinforcement and Desensitization
Positive reinforcement is key to changing your dog’s grass-eating habit. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or play whenever they ignore grass or respond to commands like “leave it” or “come.”
Avoid punishment, as it can increase anxiety and worsen the behavior, a principle that applies to managing other stress-related habits like licking. For dogs fixated on grass, desensitization can help: gradually expose them to grassy areas while rewarding calm behavior, starting with short sessions and increasing duration.
This approach mirrors counter-conditioning for thunderstorm anxiety, using positive associations to reframe their response.
Monitor Progress and Adjust Strategies
Track your dog’s grass-eating over time to assess improvement. Keep a journal noting frequency, triggers, and responses to interventions. If the behavior persists after 4–6 weeks of consistent effort, revisit your vet to explore undetected medical issues or consult a veterinary behaviorist for tailored advice. Breeds with high prey drives or foraging instincts may need more intensive training or environmental management.
Stopping your dog from eating grass is a manageable goal with the right approach. By understanding the ways grass-eating can harm your dog, you can take informed steps to protect their health. With patience, consistency, and a focus on your dog’s physical and mental well-being, you can curb grass-eating and foster a happier, healthier companion.
