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“Yellow foam, or bile, usually indicates that the dog has an empty stomach,” says Dr. After that, she was perky and ready to launch into her morning two-miler.
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Upon going outside first thing in the morning, she would frantically gobble up as much grass as possible until she threw up some yellow foam. My active young dog was on a high-quality, balanced diet when she suddenly started an odd behavior. Perhaps they naturally crave grass as part of their genetic makeup, dating back to when they hunted their own prey. While canines in the wild weren’t getting their primary source of nutrients from grass, eating an entire animal provided an optimal diet, especially if the animal’s diet consisted of various plants. Dogs’ digestive systems, dietary needs, and cravings have evolved to fit the lifestyle of domesticated dogs. If a dog’s diet is complete and balanced, eating grass may not be related to a deficiency at all - it might be instinct. A change to food with a higher-fiber content may help. Need for FiberĮating grass could also be your dog’s way of getting more fiber, which helps them digest their food, pass stool, and keep their GI system operating like clockwork.
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This should not be a problem for dogs who are fed a well-balanced diet, so consider asking your veterinarian about switching dog food if your dog repeatedly eats grass. Many diet deficiencies are rooted in missing vitamins, nutrients, or minerals that are absent from daily intake. Some dog owners and veterinarians assume that grass eating is a form of pica, or eating strange nonfood items, sometimes caused by a diet deficiency. There are a variety of reasons why dogs find grass to be a delicacy. But why do they do it, and how do you know when it’s a problem? And are there ways to get dogs to stop eating grass? Reasons Dogs Eat Grass Ask your vet for more information.ĭo you have more questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your animal clinic, today.Have you ever taken your dog out for a potty break and turned your back, only to discover your canine pal chomping on a large mouthful of grass? While you might panic and think about the vomit you’ll be cleaning off the carpet later, this behavior is not always cause for alarm. Make sure Fido has suitable playtime and toys, and spend lots of quality time with him. It’s also important to realize that sometimes dogs engage in pica due to mental or emotional issues, such as stress, fear, or loneliness. Your vet may recommend putting Fido on medication, supplements or changing Fido’s diet. Thyroid issues, diabetes, and malnutrition are a few possibilities. It’s important to determine if your pooch has health problems or nutritional issues. Having Fido examined by a vet is the first course of action in pups with pica. Call your vet immediately if you suspect or know your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have. However, some cases may become life-threatening, requiring surgical intervention. In some cases, dogs’ ‘snacks’ will pass out the usual way. Others, such as batteries, are highly toxic. Some can cause intestinal damage, blockages, or choking. As one can imagine, these things are definitely not safe for your furry friend. Man’s Best Friend has also eaten rocks, nails, toyes, screws, batteries, watches, and, of course, homework, to name just a few. Underwear and socks are two common items. Our canine friends have been known to eat all sorts of things. Unfortunately, though, pica isn’t limited to grass. If Fido snacks on your lawn, it isn’t usually going to be an emergency. Your furry pal could also pick up parasites. Plus, a lawn treated with pesticides or chemicals is definitely not safe for your pooch to eat. While most grass isn’t dangerous in and of itself, many plants are. Fido may be trying to get relief from an upset stomach, or he may be trying to compensate for a nutritional imbalance, which may have manifested as a craving. There are several possible reasons for this. A local vet provides some information on it below.Įating grass is one of the most common forms of pica. The whats, whens, and whys of pica in dogs can vary widely. There is actually a specific name for this behavior: pica. Have you ever come home to find that your canine pal has chewed up your sofa, or eaten your shoes? This may extend beyond Fido’s natural need to chew.