Why does the dog eat grass: reasons, what to do with it and how to replace?

In this article, we will consider why the dog eats grass, and also find a solution for this situation.

Contents

Dog nutrition is based on a meat diet, so some, especially inexperienced owners, have the question of why the dog eats grass. We will answer right away that this is normal. But sometimes the reasons are not the most harmless, and require attention from the hosts. What is such a habit or periodic is talking about, we will analyze in detail.

Reasons why the dog eats grass

The main reasons why the dog eats grass:

it Natural intestinal cleaning. That is, when the animal feels the severity, nausea and discomfort in the stomach when overeating, irregular nutrition, eating fatty foods, as well as when accumulating undigested elements (wool, feathers, a foreign object or the remnants of food), it is necessary to provoke vomiting. This is what harmless grass helps.

Important: grass irritates the mucous membrane and helps to reduce intestinal walls, improving the outflow of bile. The gag help helps to get rid of a large accumulation of mucus, bile, third -party and even toxic substances.

Sometimes this is a signal About a lack of fiber, which is so important for normal peristalsis. Although dogs are by nature predators, they should not only eat meat. The abundance of protein food leads to constipation and, accordingly, to discomfort in the stomach.
Sometimes dogs are simple Like the taste of some herbs Or they accidentally swallow it, playing in nature.
And sometimes the pet eats grass Due to curiosity, recent stress, or in cases where he wants to attract attention. The last option is often found when the owners rarely play and walk with the animal.

A common, but controversial opinion, why the dog eats grass:

Due to the lack of vitamins. But the dog’s stomach practically does not digest grass, so it does not bear benefits. Although a change in taste preferences can be caused by vitamin deficiency.
The dog is trying to get rid of helminths, Enhancing the intestinal motility eating grass. This is also not entirely true, the grass will not help from parasites. But still it is worth carrying out prevention from helminths, because The animal gives a peculiar signal of discomfort.
For brushing teeth and fresh breathing. Dogs, in principle, does not care about this issue!

True, if the dog eats grass, is it treated?

Our ancestors considered grass to eat grass to predatory animals useful, since the pet could cure himself from a particular disease, intuitively choosing the right herbs. Indeed, when a sick animal went into the forest or field, a few days later returned healthy. Dogs at the genetic level can distinguish and determine the plants poisonous and useful for their body - this is true!

But in the modern world, access to natural -grass nature, especially in the city, has become limited, but drug methods of animal assistance have expanded and give a more reliable result. Therefore, this version is true only if the dog lives in rural areas.

Although To increase and maintain immunity Dogs need plants in the diet. After all, they have a valuable element - Fitoncides!

What to do if the dog eats grass: tears, it has vomiting with foam, diarrhea

If the dog eats grass no more than 1-2 times a week, And her behavior and state of health are good, then this is within the norm. But it is worth paying attention to the diet - control the ratio of meat and signs, enter vegetables and herbs, let's go on time and in small portions. Then the desire to eat grass will disappear by itself.
Spring Dogs just like the taste of fresh herbs, especially lawn grass. There is nothing dangerous in this hobby, this is temporary.
Sometimes after eating grass The dog reproaches. There is no need to worry if this happened once and other dangerous symptoms are not observed. You need to include cereals, vegetables and fruits in the diet! What vegetables can be given, in what quantity, you will read our article “What vegetables, greens and fruits can be given to the dog?”

Tip: Often, animal defecation is difficult due to a sedentary lifestyle, and rough stems help in this matter. Therefore, it is so important regularly and walk a lot with a pet in the fresh air. Dogs that live in captivity - in an aviary or on a chain, is important to periodically release for a “walk”.

If the pet after eating greenery tears foam with undigested grass, And this is a single vomiting, then you also do not need to worry. So the dog “cleanses” the stomach from harmful substances and third -party objects.
If foam with a greenish tint, then excess bile comes out of the stomach. This procedure is necessary to eliminate pain and discomfort in the stomach. It is dangerous if this happens often on an ongoing basis.

Important: daily and abundant eating grass indicates diseases of the internal organs! And in a hidden form, additional symptoms are not observed. It is noted that often excessive passion for grass is a signal of problems with liver or thyroid gland. In this case, you need to take tests, and food should only be adjusted after consulting with a veterinarian!

Excessive passion for grass is a dangerous signal!

If the dog eats grass, in what cases the help of a veterinarian is needed: dangerous symptoms

All of the above reasons why the dog eats grass does not require treatment. In most cases, they are eliminated by power adjustment. Of course, it is better to coordinate the diet and the ratio of products with the veterinarian. But it is worthwhile if:

the dog has prolonged diarrhea or constipation, especially with blood impurities;
refusal of food or excessive eating of grass;
frequent vomiting;
sharp weight loss;
the condition of the coat worsens and/or it falls a lot in some places (bald patches are covered), the skin is peeling, wounds form and itching appears;
general lethargy and apathy of the animal;
high body temperature and dry nose.

Important: if these signs appeared after eating greens on the lawn, it is necessary to show the pet to the veterinarian. If convulsions, loss of consciousness, severe vomiting and diarrhea are observed, the animal needs urgent hospitalization!

**The dog cannot be poisoned with grass, but for it dangerous substances that can be on the surface of plants!**

What dog eats grass: how can it be replaced?

If the dog eats grass, then you can replace only with “right” grass. Not only useful, but also your favorite herbs are:

wheat and sowing
sisy or green chine
sprouted oats, rye and wheat
chamomile
dill and parsley
carrot and beetroot tops
some breeds love Clover and even Jerusalem artichoke

These plants should be environmentally friendly, and ideally, torn from their beds! By the way, special grass for cats and “right” herbs (oats, wheat) are sold in any pet store and are great for dogs! And you can grow it even on the windowsill.

Important: make sure that the pet does not eat the ground with grass, it does not affect the digestion of the animal!

How to germinate greens for dogs at home

The dog eats grass: precautions

Do not allow the dog to eat grass:

on city flower beds and lawns that are processed with chemists and herbicides;
in areas near roads or industrial enterprises. T.K. harmful substances and heavy metals, settling on the grass, can lead to poisoning;
in the park for walking dogs. After all, excrement of other animals can lead to infection and infection with helminths;
in the field of bullying of stray animals;
and also if the pet was recently given a petticoles.

IMPORTANT: but be sure to prevent 2 times a year of helminth drugs and vaccinate on time!

If the dog eats grass, then your main task is to watch the pet. Pay attention to the frequency of use and the quality of greens, monitor the accompanying symptoms and diversify the diet with special additives, cereals and vegetables. And in order not to harm even more, consult a veterinarian about the diet and, if necessary, take tests.

Video: Why does the dog eat grass?

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