Eating Grass?

[Shari Becker]

Hi everyone,

Lexi has started eating grass this week. I always thought eating grass was a sign the dog was sick (and then usually they throw up after), but she's just nibbling. She's eating fine, going to the bathroom fine, maybe a little mellower than usual, but she doesn't like the heat, so it's hard to tell if she's not feeling well or just feeling warm.

About 2 weeks ago she went on a counter surfing binge when we had lots of guests here, and folks just weren't listening to the dog rules as I laid them out - she can't be in the kitchen unattended if there's food around. (That's a whole other discussion. Ha!) Anyhow, she had diarrhea for a week after, healed for two days and then became constipated for three or four days. We thought she was back to normal, but had her glands done this past Tuesday because she was scooting around. But she's been eating grass off and on all week. Any ideas what could be going on?

Thanks,

Shari

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's true that dogs will sometimes eat grass to make themselves vomit when they are feeling nauseated, kind of like sticking your finger down your throat, lol. But sometimes, they just eat grass for no reason. It's not because there is anything lacking in their diets, as some people believe. 

It sounds to me like Lexi had some digestive issues from her binge at your party, (diarrhea for a week is fairly significant, besides constipation, and subsequent anal gland issues) and probably isn't feeling100% back to normal yet. My guess is that her stomach is still feeling somewhat unsettled, but it is just a guess. 

If she's not getting a good probiotic regularly, you might try one. Or just a Gentle Digest prebiotic capsule daily might help. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

My dogs nibble on grass all the time for no reason other than they want to. Ir's another good reason not to use herbicides and pesticides on the lawn.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Mine think they're goats. Apparently grass tastes nice. I'll second F's not using chemicals on the lawn for that reason - and about every three months I have to educate yet another Orkin dude. (Yesterday's conversation started with Do Not Use Pellets! Or Granules! Ever! No! Just ... Stay Out of the Back Yard!)

[Shari Becker]

Alright, well I won't sweat it then. I will let her nibble, and I added some yogurt to her dinner just to be safe. I may get her a probiotic regardless because she has such a fragile stomach. Can someone remind me of the brand you like? I will look it up, too. 

As for lawns, you are talking to the crunchy queen over here, so no worries. I have spent so much time and effort trying to rid my lawn of grubs using milky spore instead of chemicals. Three years later, I have lost the battle. Am trying cedar oil yard sprays and pellets next. (Will be good to keep away fleas and ticks, too.) If that doesn't work, there won't be any grass for the dog to munch on, but at least the earth will be chemical free. HA!

P.S. Karen, you'd be sick, too, if you ate a half bowl of cut chicken (and you were allergic), a stick of butter, AND a raw hamburger over the course of four days. It was just pathetic.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We like Proviable DC, but there are other good ones out there. 

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I'll toss in another vote for Proviable DC. Mister Sensitive (Declan) takes one every morning. Best price I've found is from Amazon, btw.

[Vicky loves Chachi]

What kind dog cedar oil spray do you use for your lawn?

[Shari Becker]

I haven't used it yet, but it's Dr. Ben's. The cheapest place I found it online was some place called cedar oil industries. It was still not super cheap: $49 for the lawn kit (1 bag of cedar granules to spread, 2 bottles of cedar oil concentrate that you attach to a hose and spray on your yard, and 1 bottle of cedar oil for humans and dogs). Then it cost $30 to ship it ground. I have to get cracking because I've already spotted three beetles, so I can let you know how it works and how the process goes. I may not get to it until the weekend though.

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Fudge and Vern eat grass constantly. Drives me nuts.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Boris loves grass, Riley not so much, but he's quite discerning he only goes for the long juicy grass. He just has a nibble every now and again. We don't use any herbicides or chemicals here so not so pretty but very safe :)

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Eloise has loved eating grass (and leaves) from day one, also.  Makes me crazy.

[Pat and Traveler]

Trav has two favorite places for grass along our usual walk route.  Not sure why these particular spots have the tastiest grass, but I can count on him to nibble in these locations.