Dogs do many bizarre things, and one of these oddities is eating grass outside. Veterinarians say that about 80% of furry pets love to eat greens. It is curious that scientists still have not figured out the cause of this phenomenon.
Veterinarians do not know why dogs eat grass, but they can accurately name factors that are not the cause of a sudden passion for greenery. Experts say that:
- The dog does not eat grass due to lack of vitamins. The digestive tract of dogs simply does not contain enzymes that can digest greens.
- Four-legged eat greenery, regardless of the diet and type of food. This is evidenced by recent studies.
- The pet is not trying to get rid of the worms. Absolutely healthy dogs experience a passion for green spaces.
Why does a dog eat grass outside?
There are several explanations for this behavior:
- The dog switches to vegetarian food if he feels discomfort in the stomach (foreign objects or putrefactive processes may cause it). The pet swallows the leaves of wheatgrass, sow thistle and bluegrass practically without chewing. Once in the stomach, they irritate the mucous membrane and cause contraction of the walls. The leaves, mixed with wool and undigested food, form a lump that the dog soon spits up. With it, excess bile comes out of the body. If sometimes the dog eats grass and spits up, that’s normal.
- Fiber contained in plants serves to thin the feces and normalize stool. If the green “gets” to the intestines, it swells and binds the fecal mass.
- Pets like the taste of greens. The dog eats grass, plucks flowers and other green shoots, because it attracts the taste of young juicy greens. Snack does not always precede vomiting.
There is a theory that eating grass allows the dog to get rid of the unpleasant smell from the mouth.
Dog eats grass: what to do?
What to do if a dog eats grass? Do not impede gastronomic addiction if eating greens is not accompanied by constant vomiting and obvious signs of the disease. Experienced dog breeders are not advised to intervene in the pet’s diet for no good reason. Grass is a non-toxic product and carries no danger. The scented dog will determine which plant can be eaten and which not.
It doesn’t matter why dogs eat grass. If a pet leads an active lifestyle, does not lose his appetite and does not refuse a natural salad, do not worry. Diarrhea, refusal to eat, weight loss, hair loss, apathy – an occasion to visit a veterinarian.
It should be remembered that:
- Grass near roads contains heavy metals and is undesirable for the animal;
- Greens in parks can be treated with chemicals;
- Helminth eggs may be present on the surface of plants.
Can a dog eat grass outside?
Remember that through greens, a dog can catch an infection (a previously sick animal marked the area here, or lay down to rest). If a pet likes greens, it is recommended to plant it.
Which grass is better?
There is no single answer to the question. If the dog eats grass, make sure that the animal prefers safe and non-toxic plants.
Veterinarians recommend:
- Cereal wild plants;
- Wheat and oats;
- Carrots, nettles, calendula, lettuce and beets.
What kind of grass do dogs eat?
Four-legged like mint, basil, parsley, dill and sorrel. Suitable greens for cats, which is sold in pet stores. It is enough to purchase seeds, plant them, and at any time of the year you will have environmentally friendly greens.
Diet control
Many owners do not know which grass is useful for dogs, and provide the pet with the right to choose. Some animals have a passion for lawn and meadow grass. One of the most useful plants for dogs is chamomile. It relieves stomach inflammation and is effective for intestinal cramps.
If the dog eats grass, certain measures must be taken. It is important to ensure that the animal does not chew its teeth with stiff stems that can damage the walls of the stomach. Dirty grass should also be discarded.
What grass is good for dogs?
Fresh and dry plants are suitable. It is good if they grow away from the road, and even better – in the garden.
The presence of parasite eggs on the leaves of the green leaves prompts to vaccinate the dog and monitor the intake of anthelmintic drugs. Their cost should be high – cheap tablets do not have 100% effectiveness.
Veterinarians will wonder for a long time why dogs eat grass. Fans of hairy can only create conditions for the carefree life of their pets.