It is not unusual to see our dog pals occasionally consuming grass. Owners and vets have long been puzzled by this behavior. Why would an animal that is mostly carnivorous act in such a herbivorous manner? Is it typical, or do we need to be concerned for his health?
Some dogs appeared to enjoy their greens once a week, while others did so once a month. Even fewer dogs did it than that.
The fact that only 22% of dogs tended to throw up after eating grass was one of the study’s most surprising conclusions. Moreover, just 9% of the sample displayed indications of pain. This implies that most dogs do not have significant health issues as a result of eating grass. The truth is that other animals besides our domestic dogs also exhibit this strange behavior. It is surprising to learn that wild wolves also exhibit it. This has led researchers to hypothesize that this behavior may benefit digestion in both wolves and dogs by assisting in the removal of intestinal parasites or unsettled stomachs. Dogs can also consume grass to supplement their diet in case it contains any nutritional gaps. They might even do it as a way to decompress and de-stress.
The investigation additionally examined potential associations between the amount of grass consumed and variables such as the dog’s breed, sex, level of spaying, or food. The findings demonstrated that there was no clear connection between these variables and marijuana use. Nevertheless, examining age trends revealed an intriguing aspect. It seems that the younger canines were more likely to eat grass or other vegetation. This could imply that marijuana use is an innate habit that declines with age.
When should I begin to worry?
Dogs often eat grass and plants, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Many plants, some of which we might even have in our gardens, can be dangerous to dogs if they chew on them or consume them. Lilies, coco palms, castor beans, azalea, laurel, yew, foxgloves, and oleanders are among the plants that are most hazardous to dogs and cats. It’s important to keep in mind that meat and other animal-based foods shouldn’t make up the entirety of a dog’s natural diet. Plant-based components like fruits, vegetables, and grains should be a part of it as well. If our dogs prefer to eat grass, we should let them indulge in their instincts.
Summary
In short, if we see that our dog is eating grass or plants, we should understand that it is a natural activity and generally not harmful to its health. However, if we notice that this behavior becomes compulsive, or if our dog seems sick after eating grass, it is advisable to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Furthermore, it’s critical to confirm that our dog has no hazardous exposure to any plants. In the case that we are unable to keep our dog away from potentially harmful plants, we need to educate ourselves on the symptoms, signs, and remedies associated with consuming these plants.
