When the grass begins to green and spring breezes fill the air, people and pets spend more time outside. The family pet may happily graze on tender grass shoots while lounging in the backyard, only to end the outing by regurgitating the greenery. A history of plant consumption and the wits to self-cure a stomach ache explain the long-standing dog versus grass query, according to the Virtual Pet Behaviorist on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website.
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History
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Wild dogs, wolves and foxes consume the entire carcass of their prey, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website. This includes eating the grass and plant-filled intestines of smaller herbivorous mammals such as rabbits and squirrels. This instinctual diet leads veterinarians to believe occasional grass eating accompanies a modern dog's diet without cause for concern.
Causes
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Lack of nutrients in the diet, stomach upset, attempts to improve digestion and rid themselves of worms may cause a pet dog to eat grass and throw up, according to the ASPCA. Other pets simply enjoy the taste of fresh greenery, fruits and vegetables and choose to consume grass to satisfy their palate.
Benefits
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A dog may eat grass to rid his body of stomach-ailing substances and intentionally induce vomiting, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. Nausea caused by intestinal worms, spoiled food or consuming a non-food item (known as pica) commonly causes dogs to eat grass and vomit.
Warning
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Excessive consumption of grass, dirt or other non-food items can signify dietary deficiencies in adult dogs. Puppies often chew at these items out of boredom to expend energy. If a pup continues to eat grass and vomit routinely after six months of age, consult a veterinarian, says the ASPCA. The veterinarian may alter the dog's diet, suggest behavior training or treat a medical condition to deter grass eating and throwing up.
Medical Emergency
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If the dog's vomit contains grass and blood, consult a veterinarian immediately. The healthy, occasional vomit caused by grass ingestion should be free of blood, with pieces of grass suspended in partially digested dog food, clear liquid or an opaque, foamy liquid. Symptoms of serious dog stomach problems include persistent vomiting over a four-hour period, foreign objects in the vomit and a distended stomach. Causes include foreign object ingestion (rocks, toys, clothing), pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, blockages, kidney disease or liver disease, according to the The Dog Health Guide online.
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