Ask an Expert: Why is grass so tasty?
We found some of the best pet experts in metro Atlanta. Look for your answers every Monday. Today’s advice comes from Will Draper of the Village Veterinary Centers. Click here to see all the AJCpets experts. And feel free to submit questions in the form of a comment today.
Q: Why does my dog eat grass? It’s less of a problem when I feed her better grade, commercial dog food, but she still does it.
A: One school of thought suggests that dogs eat grass sometimes because they are experiencing stomach upset, and they have a sense that tells them this will help. Since they don’t digest grass well, they usually throw it up. But, you have to wonder if dogs eat the grass because they are nauseous, or does eating the grass cause the nausea? Actually, eating grass is normal behavior for dogs … they just seem to like it. It does not mean she’s lacking certain vitamins or nutrients in her diet — and as long as there is not the concern of toxicity (through pesticides, mushrooms, etc.) there is no cause for alarm with either eating it, or throwing it up. Dogs prefer long blades of grass, so one way to help cut down on this is to keep your grass cut very low.
Q: I have a female mixed hound - 70 lbs. When walking she has the habit of scooting [sitting and rubbing her butt on grass] several times with her tongue darting in and out. She is otherwise very healthy and kept clean. What could be the problem and solution?
A: Scooting is usually a sign that a dog’s anal sacs are full. Anal sacs are two glands that lie at the 4 and 8 o’clock position to your dog’s anus. They hold an odiferous liquid that generally is expressed by the pressure of defecation. However, sometimes the gland openings can become clogged; and when this happens, a dog (or cat) will sometimes scoot to attempt to relieve the pressure and discomfort that the engorged glands will cause. If they do express them on their own, you’ll usually smell an odor (that is hopefully on the grass, and not your carpet). Your veterinarian (or groomer) can express the glands for you to provide relief. The scooting can also be a sign of allergies, which can cause itching around the anus — your veterinarian can help to determine which is the culprit.
Each dog I have ever owned liked to eat grass. Some have even grazed like cattle. A couple have done the retching routine, but it doesn’t seem to bother them. It bothers me more looking at it. The only real problem or inconvenience it has caused is that occassionally the grass will not be fully excreted in their stool and I have to manually pull it out. More than one passerby has had an “ewww” experience. My family just laughs now and looks at me as if saying, “don’t look at me”. “He’s your dog!”
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My 16 year old cat, Jake, has to have his anal sacs expressed by the vet every six months when I take him in for his exam. Usually a Geriatric has to be examined and have blood work more often than a younger animal, although he no longer gets vaccines. The last time he did, we thought he was going to die.
Back to the grass, Jake & Max, who will be 4, April 1st, Love to eat grass. Occasionally they will “throw up”. Mickey & Bugsey, who will be 2, April 24th, will eat it sometimes. So I will pick them fresh grass from outside in the Summer, but I also keep a pot of grass growing inside for them.
Jake also eats spinach, broccoli, collards & a few other green vegatables in very small quantities.
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