Why do dogs eat grass?

When it comes to dogs, this is one of the most frequently asked questions on Google. It makes sense, because so many dogs nibble at grass regardless of their breed, and it leaves many owners wondering why it happens at all.

There are several possible reasons, and I can speak only in general terms rather than for your individual dog. So let me begin with what I have noticed in my own.

I first saw my dog eating grass when she was hot and panting. She would munch away at it as though it helped her cool down. There are no studies to support this and it may be something unique to her, but it is an observation that stood out.

Another moment that caught my attention was in summer. I noticed a possible link with pollen, although again there are no formal studies to back this up. After charging about and chasing her ball, her nose often skimmed across the grass. It sometimes looked as though she ate grass to trigger a gag reflex, helping her clear pollen, dust or dirt from her throat or nasal passages.

You might notice that my observations do not appear on the usual list of reasons dogs eat grass. The commonly discussed causes include:

• Nutritional deficiency
• Lack of fibre
• Digestive upset
• Boredom
• Pica syndrome

Many dogs do vomit after eating grass, which is why people often connect it with digestive discomfort. Thankfully Maggie only coughs and sneezes, which is why I suspect her reason is more to do with irritation from pollen, dust or dirt.

So in the end, the answer is that it depends. If you are ever concerned about your own dog’s behaviour, it is always best to speak with your vet.