Many dogs like to graze every now and then. Eating grass is a natural instinct that may make dogs feel better. But occasionally this herbivorous habit can upset the gastrointestinal tract and cause vomiting.
Causes
Why do our meat-eating friends indulge in veggie snacks? Most experts agree that your dog is probably self-medicating—much as you do when you go to the medicine cabinet for an antacid.
For example, gastrointestinal parasite infections can give your pet a nasty stomachache. Some experts believe that wild canids (such as foxes, wolves, and coyotes) nibbled grass to soothe their tender tummies.
Another hypothesis argues that this strange compulsion evolved because of a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Some pets don’t make enough pancreatic enzymes, which help them digest food and absorb nutrients. Pets with EPI may graze to relieve an upset stomach and supply their bodies with needed nutrients.
Veterinarians agree that these medicinal explanations seem to hold up. After all, dogs who suffer vomiting or diarrhea often will graze in the back yard. On the other hand, some dogs may just develop a taste for the green stuff—they eat it because they like it!
One word of caution: Experts still aren’t sure whether grass prevents or causes vomiting, so giving your pet grass could make his stomach upset worse!
What you can do at home
There’s no cause for alarm if your pet nibbles grass now and then and doesn’t show other signs of illness.
But if your pet develops vomiting or diarrhea whenever he visits the back yard buffet, discourage his vegetarian impulses by restricting access to grass. And if you spray your yard with fertilizers, insecticides, or weed-killers, remember: Chemically treated lawns are dangerous for your dog, so don’t let him eat the grass until it’s rained or you’ve heavily watered the area.
When to call the veterinarian
Call your veterinarian if your pet continues to eat grass and shows other signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
What your veterinarian will do
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and look for signs of abdominal distress. Your pet will need to surrender a fresh stool sample so the doctor can test for intestinal parasites. If the veterinarian suspects other medical conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency or gastrointestinal obstruction, then your pet may need blood work or X-rays.
For most dogs, however, eating grass is a normal activity—like taking a trip to the salad bar.
