Buzz
If it’s edible (or sometimes even if it’s not), many dogs will happily feast on it. But if you notice your dog grazing on your lawn like a herd of cattle, it could indicate something beyond a mere desire to eat. Eating grass rapidly may be a sign that the dog is feeling ill.
It’s not unusual for a dog to vomit after eating grass, which leads some pet owners to wonder whether their dog consumes grass to settle its upset stomach or if the grass itself is causing the symptoms. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, this behavior might be linked to existing symptoms. “When dogs go outside and gobble grass really quickly, there’s usually a reason, an instinctual behavior to try to induce some kind of gastrointestinal reaction,” he told Mytour in 2019. “When they realize they’re nauseous or something else, the only thing they know how to do is to force themselves to vomit. Some dogs that eat grass chomp it down without really chewing it, and often times may vomit something up and that’s how they treat themselves.”
Though it’s a common concern among pet owners, there’s limited research into why dogs eat grass. Stomach issues likely explain this behavior in some cases. However, dogs may also eat grass for reasons similar to chewing your shoes or snatching the groceries left on the counter: Because they’re hungry, anxious, or simply bored.
How can you distinguish between your dog eating grass for enjoyment and trying to induce vomiting? Observe how it eats. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they consume both plants and animals, so just eating grass by itself isn’t usually harmful. However, if a dog devours grass faster than it can chew, it could signal a problem. Swallowing large blades of grass can irritate a dog’s throat and stomach, which may lead to vomiting if ingested too quickly in a short period of time.
No matter why your dog is eating grass, Klein assures that it’s not usually a significant concern. While you shouldn’t encourage this behavior—especially because grass in public spaces may contain harmful chemicals like pesticides—if your dog shows no signs of distress afterward, there’s no need to rush to the vet. “If I see a dog eating grass, I’m not going to panic,” he said. “I would try to stop it and then observe how it behaves for the next 15 to 20 minutes. Pay attention to its body language, movements, and the overall impression it gives.”
One condition that would require a visit to the vet is known as bloat. This occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with air, leading to retching without any actual vomiting. It’s a serious medical emergency and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If your dog vomits after eating grass but seems happy afterward, it’s likely not a concern—though you may feel differently when you’re busy cleaning your carpet.
