"IT'S A DOG'S LIFE..."
"THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY, NOT ME," sez Mikey.
He looked at me kind of funny during our walk this morning when I stopped next a big patch of tall-growing, dew-covered grass - and started eating. I wasn't nibbling, but really munching away. Getting a stomach full. "What's up with that?" he muttered, not really aiming his question at me directly. If he'd been more like that guy they call the "Dog Whisperer" he could have just leaned down and murmured in my ear: "Mikey, why are you eating grass?"
TODAY'S QUESTION: Why do dogs eat grass?
source: http://www.whydodogseatgrass.org/
A bit worried and perhaps confused too? Most people have seen a dog eating grass at least once in their life time. However, should you be worried about it? The answer is a big: NO.
Although experts cannot give the exact reasons, speculations include:
1) Dogs eat grass to make themselves feel better when they are unwell. However, this is disputed by many by who say that dogs do not have the wisdom to use grass as a remedy. Also, careful analysis shows most dogs are not unwell before eating grass.
2) Some Experts believe that the reason for this behavior can be a natural. Dogs might do this to improve digestion. This may be a behavior inherited from their ancestors.
3) Another simple reason is that a dog simply likes the taste of grass. It is suggested that this taste reminds them of their prey. The prey of dogs mainly consists of herbivores and there is undigested plant matter in their stomachs. It is possible that eating grass is reminiscent of this taste.
Mikey sez: "O.K. Let's take the questions one-by-one..."
1) What do they mean we "don't have the wisdom" to self-medicate. Have you ever seen the dog equivalent of Ativan or Zofran? Me either. When I'm feeling a bit woosey or have an upset digestive track, nothing works better than a stomach-full of fresh, well-chewed grass.
2) I learned this from my mother. Although some think that it mgiht be an inborn trait - almost Jungian in fact, which makes it like a nature/nurture question.
3) Yes. Think of brussel sprouts, green beans, snap peas, arugula, mint, basil, asparagus, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, tarragon, cilantro, oregano, chives, sage... The list goes on and on.
Should a dog be stopped from eating grass?
Most vets agree that grass is not harmful for dog. If you feel that the dog is eating grass due to nutritional deficiency then switch to a food which is better. A food rich in fiber can help alleviate the problem.
Mikey sez: "Well, I can't argue this point, but I will say nothing beats a good t-bone steak, especially with the bone still attached - followed by a healthy green salad -- fresh grass will do just fine."
MIKEY
Casa Mulero
Mulero Valley
Santa Olaya, PR