As a pet parent, you undoubtedly love all the little quirks that make your dog unique. From their adorable head tilt to their full-body wags that show how happy they are that you’re home, you can’t help but smile whenever they show off their silly personality.
But then there are those other common doggy habits that make you scratch your head. For instance, when you’re out on a walk and your dog starts eating grass—is that even safe? And when is a dog eating grass cause for concern or a trip to the vet?
Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?
The good news is that dogs can eat grass, according to Michael B. Lane, D.V.M., internal medicine specialist at MedVet Cincinnati. Occasionally eating a small amount of grass isn’t detrimental. In fact, it’s considered a “normal behavior,” says Dr. Lane.
Grass is non-toxic and can pass through your pups’ full gastrointestinal tract without issue, adds Carly Fox, D.V.M., senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
Generally speaking, grass has little to no noticeable effect on dogs, says Dr. Lane. But eating too much grass can lead to digestive irritation and diarrhea, or even an obstruction, in severe cases, he says.
While the grass itself isn’t cause for alarm, what’s on the grass can be a problem. For example, the grass might be covered in pesticides or fertilizers. Or your dog may have chomped down on some bonus mushrooms or other toxic plants. Maybe there was even a foxtail or two hidden in the grass, which can go up your dog’s nose and may need to be removed under anesthesia.
Why do dogs eat grass?
“We don’t know exactly why dogs eat grass, and there is probably more than one reason,” says Dr. Lane. “For many dogs, it appears to simply be normal behavior. Some dogs may simply like the taste or texture, or eat grass as part of normal exploratory behavior.”
There are other common theories, such as eating grass when they are nauseous or have GI discomfort. Others believe dogs like the texture of grass, are simply bored, or eat to increase fiber intake, says Dr. Fox.
When to be concerned
If your dog suddenly starts eating grass out of the blue, does it much more frequently, or it’s accompanied by other signs of illness, that deserves a closer look, says Dr. Lane.
Some red flags include repeated vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, weight loss, or signs that a dog is trying to vomit without bringing anything up, he says.
“I would also be concerned if a dog is compulsively eating large amounts of grass or other plant material,” adds Dr. Lane. “In contrast, a dog that occasionally nibbles grass, has a normal appetite and energy level, and otherwise feels well usually does not need veterinary evaluation just because of the grass eating itself.”
Also, if you know for sure the grass the dog ate was covered in lawn chemicals or contained toxic plants or mushrooms, contact your veterinarian.
If you’d prefer to keep your dog from ingesting grass in the first place, “keep your dog leashed and redirect them (give them a toy or treat instead),” suggests Dr. Fox. “Increase their enrichment if you believe their grass habit is driven out of boredom. Ideally, every dog should be trained to 'leave it,' which can apply to grass eating or anything you want them to drop or avoid.”
