Why do dogs eat grass? Does it worry you that your pet dog munch on the grass on the lawn?
Sometimes it makes you wonder what is with the yard grass that makes your furbaby want to nibble on them. While it may not be that life-threatening, dogs eating grass could cause discomfort on their digestive system.
Add to the fact that sometimes, your lawn has chemicals that could be harmful to your canine's wellbeing. Here are the top 6 reasons that explain why they eat grass.
Boredom
Dogs become bored when they do not receive an ample amount of exercise. They entertain themselves and find activities that occupy their time alone. Make it a point to check on how much exercise they get. It would be better to walk them every day or play tug of war or fetch to keep them active and stop them from nibbling on the grass.
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Delicious taste of grass
One reason your furbaby eats grass is that because of its sweet and earthly flavor. Wolves also supplement their diets with plants leading to some people believing that dogs also want them.
Dogs do not feel well
Hounds may self-medicate their gassy stomach by feeding on the grass. The reason is that after vomiting, dogs usually follow up with the grass eating activity. Consult with your pet's doctor to treat any underlying issues right away.
Need for fiber
Some canines feed on the grass to fulfill his nutritional deficiencies. If they are low on fiber, they might find your lawn appealing because they would also love eating plant-based food. Talk to your veterinarian for any fiber-filled food to give to your pet.
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Negative reinforcement
Dogs know that when they munch on the grass, they could get your attention, so they sometimes do it for you to notice them. To counter this habit, try to ignore them to get them to stop doing what you do not want them to do.
Weather changes
Some theorize that pets eat grass because of the changes in the weather. They could feel queasy for some weather conditions because they have sensitive ears and noses.
One way to stop your pet from nibbling on the greens is by bringing treats with you always. Reward good behavior during walks, especially after commanding them to stop eating the grass. Teach your canine the "heel" command to get them to stop sniffing around and munching on the grass.
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Make time for your furbaby and engage in more active play. This way, they would forget to get bored as they have more playtime with you. It is the best way to redirect unwanted behaviors from your pet.