Why Does My Dog Lick Grass On Walks?

If you are a dog owner, you might have noticed your furry friend licking the grass occasionally.

While this behavior might seem unusual or even concerning, it is pretty standard among dogs and other canines.

This article will explore why dogs lick grass and what this behavior could indicate about their overall health and well-being.

Why Does My Dog Lick Grass?

One of the most common reasons why dogs lick grass is to aid in digestion.

They may lick the grass and then start to eat it.

Grass contains fiber that can help regulate a dog’s bowel movements and alleviate constipation.

Additionally, some dogs may lick and eat grass to relieve nausea or other stomach issues.

Another reason why dogs may lick grass is as a form of self-soothing.

Like some people bite their nails or fidget when feeling anxious or stressed, dogs might lick grass to calm themselves down.

Some dogs may also lick grass out of boredom or to satisfy their natural curiosity.

Dogs are natural scavengers, and they often use their noses and mouths to explore the world around them, often hoping to find a tasty morsel to nibble on.

Should You be Worried If Your Dog Licks Grass?

While some occasional grass licking is not a cause for concern, excessive canine grass licking and eating may lead to health problems in your dog.

Eating large amounts of grass can cause vomiting or diarrhea, leading to dehydration and other health issues.

If you notice that your dog is licking grass excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs attention.

In some cases, dogs may lick and eat grass to alleviate discomfort caused by a gastrointestinal issue or other similar medical condition.

If your dog displays other symptoms, such as lethargy (tiredness) or a lack of appetite, it may be time to talk with your veterinarian and get your pup checked out.

If you are in financial difficulty and are worried about vet bills, this site lists helpful resources for charities to help you pay your bills.

(If you don’t live in the US, you can use Google to find similar help in your country, there is a lot of support out there for dog owners who are in difficulty).

Contributing Factors

In addition to health issues, other factors can contribute to a dog’s grass-licking behavior.

Dietary issues, such as a lack of fiber or nutrients in a dog’s diet, can cause them to seek out grass as an alternative source of nutrition.

Environmental factors, such as a lack of stimulation or exercise, can also lead to boredom and excessive licking of grass and other items.

Behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety or compulsive behaviors, can manifest as excessive grass licking.

Why Does My Dog the Lick Grass Before Peeing?

In addition to licking grass for other reasons, some dogs may lick grass precisely before urinating.

While this behavior may seem unusual, it is actually fairly common among canines.

One reason why dogs lick grass before peeing is to mark their territory.

Dogs have scent glands in their paws that release pheromones when they scratch the ground.

By licking the grass, they may be leaving more of their scent to mark the territory and communicate with other dogs that might be in the local area.

Another potential reason is that dogs may be trying to mask their scent.

In the wild, predators often use their sense of smell to track and hunt their prey.

By licking the grass before urinating, dogs may try to cover up their scent and make it harder for predators to track them.

Also, some dogs might enjoy the taste or texture of grass and lick it before urinating as a form of self-soothing or relaxation.

While occasional grass licking before urinating is normal for many dogs, excessive or compulsive behavior should be monitored carefully.

If you notice that your dog is excessively licking grass or engaging in other unusual behaviors, it may be a sign of an underlying health or behavioral issue.

As always, regarding your dog’s health, please consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

One puzzling behavior exhibited by dogs that I often get asked about is the consumption of grass.

In fact, it is actually quite common among domestic dogs and other canines.

One possible reason why dogs eat grass is to supplement their diet with additional nutrients.

Dogs are omnivorous animals, which means that they require a variety of nutrients to maintain their health.

Some dogs may eat grass to add fiber or other nutrients that may be lacking in their regular diet.

Another possible reason is that dogs may eat grass as a form of self-medication.

Some researchers have suggested that dogs may instinctively eat grass when they are feeling unwell or have an upset stomach.

Grass can act as a natural emetic, helping to induce vomiting and potentially clear any unwanted substances from the dog’s digestive tract.

Additionally, some dogs may eat grass as a form of entertainment or to satisfy their natural curiosity.

Dogs are natural scavengers and often use their mouths to explore their environment.

Eating grass may give them a new taste or texture to enjoy and experience.

While grass consumption is not necessarily a cause for worry, too much can lead to health problems in dogs.

Eating large amounts of grass can cause vomiting or diarrhea, leading to dehydration and other health issues.

If you notice that your dog is eating grass excessively, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue or behavioral problem.

If your dog displays other symptoms, such as lethargy, a lack of appetite, or a behavior change, it may be time to consult your veterinarian.

In some cases, dietary changes or other interventions may be necessary to address the underlying issue and prevent excessive grass consumption.

This video has some great information from a vet on this topic.

Just the video, and it will start to play:

 

Final Notes On Why Your Dog Eats Grass On Walks

Understanding why your dog is licking grass can help you identify any underlying health, well-being, or behavioral problems.

While some occasional grass licking is typical for most dogs, excessive licking may cause health problems and should be monitored.

In my many years of experience caring for dogs, most of them have licked or eaten grass on occasion, and it has never turned into anything more serious.

So the chances are your dog is fine, and there is nothing for you to worry about.

But by watching your dog’s grass-licking behavior and addressing any underlying issues, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.