A veterinarian who went viral on TikTok explained the three most common reasons dogs eat grass.
Many dog owners wonder why their pets occasionally nibble on the grass, and this video offers simple answers to one of the most common questions that bother them, writes PetHelpful.
Three main reasons
According to the veterinarian in the popular video, the first reason is inherited behavior.
The wild ancestors of today’s dogs often ate grass, so this habit simply remained part of their instinct.
Another reason is indigestion. The vet explains that dogs can eat grass when they feel nauseous. Grass can induce vomiting in them, so they expel what bothers them from the stomach.
As the third and last reason, he cites a possible lack of fiber in the diet. The vet points out that some dogs may lack fiber, so they try to make up for it by eating grass.
When to worry
Although eating weed is a common behavior and is usually not a sign of a more serious health problem, there are situations where it can be cause for concern. The grass itself is not poisonous to dogs, but the danger can be hidden in what is on it.
Many lawns are treated with pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, which can be toxic to dogs.
In addition, the grass can contain eggs of parasites, such as hookworms or flukes, from the feces of other animals. If a dog ingests them, it can lead to intestinal infections, weight loss, diarrhea or malnutrition, reports Index.
Also, dogs cannot digest grass. If a dog eats too much at once, it can cause intestinal obstruction, which is a life-threatening condition. Because of all the above, experts advise that dogs should always be supervised when they are outside.
