If you’ve had a Labrador for any time, you’ve probably wondered why your Labrador has an infrequent need to eat grass. If you are a typical dog owner, you have probably questioned your dog’s behavior and why it occurs.
As of now, a solid justification for why Labradors consume grass has yet to be discovered. Surprisingly, this peculiar behavior has yet to be the subject of significant scientific research. Numerous explanations have been proposed due to the need for an actual scientific analysis.
Below, we’ll go over each potential cause in more detail and discuss any repercussions your Lab may experience. And offer some tips on keeping your dog busy and preventing him from chewing grass in the future.
Why Does My Labrador Eat Grass?
As I said, there is no confirmed reason why your Labrador is eating grass, but we can make a guess. Here are some reasons why your Labrador eats grass.
Boredom
Labradors are intelligent dog breeds, among the top 10 overall smartest dog breeds. Due to their incredible intelligence, Labs can quickly become bored and look for mischief to keep themselves occupied.
As many Labrador experts know, Labs may be ingenious, daring, and imaginative in their attempts to ruin things or find methods to pass the time by consuming fascinating objects nearby.
Because Labs are a very “mouthy” breed that has been developed and trained for hundreds of years to use their jaws for hunting birds and retrieving games, they are prepared to carry toys and other objects in their mouths, including potential household or yard items.
You might observe your Lab outside enthusiastically eating or carrying grass, rocks, sticks, leaves, mulch, or other yard supplies.
Your dog may munch on the grass outside to pass the time or find something psychologically engaging. Labs can be bored and looking for something to do if they don’t have access to any of their dog toys.
An Upset Stomach
A disturbed stomach is another reason Labradors could eat grass. Dogs that aren’t feeling well occasionally exhibit behaviors that seem odd to people but make sense to canines who are attempting to recover from an illness or physical issue.
Your dog may be experiencing digestive problems, and eating grass occasionally can cause your dog to throw up. Your dog may purposefully seek out grass to eat to make themselves throw up to feel better if they feel unwell.
You should visit your veterinarian whenever you see symptoms that your dog isn’t feeling well or acting like themselves.
Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything strange about your dog, especially if they don’t seem to be eating or drinking, are throwing up, or seem lethargic.
If you’re unsure what to do, call your veterinarian’s office and speak with one of their doctors or vet techs for guidance on what to do next regarding your Lab’s symptoms.
Excited
The Labrador dog breed is well renowned for its tremendous excitement and hyperactivity. They are an entertaining, active, and athletic canine breed. Because they are so happy to be playing outside, your Lab may chew grass and, like some Labradors, struggle with impulse control.
Labs are typically bred to be quite active, occasionally on the verge of hyperactivity, especially if they don’t get enough exercise during a regular day. Labradors can become incredibly happy and excited when their environment or activity level changes.
If your dog becomes overly enthusiastic when playing with other dogs at the park, you could see them roll about in the grass and grab some grass to eat. One of our Labradors will chase another Labrador around with grass in her mouth just for fun and excitement.
Your dog might also become overexcited and exhibit “mouthy behavior” if they participate in other exciting activities like going to the dog park or playing in a body of water like a lake or pond.
At certain times, you might witness your Lab chewing grass, especially if there is a shift from the pattern of an average day. When your Labrador experiences an episode of the Dog Zoomies, a sudden and uncontrollable burst of energy, your Lab may also consume grass as a side effect.
Food or treats can also make dogs hyperactive, particularly if they have a special treat like the Starbucks Puppuccino for dogs. You might notice grass-eating because your Lab might instinctively go for something close to put in their teeth during any thrilling outdoor event.
Anxiety
Your Labrador may also eat grass because they react to the tension and worry around them. They may be upset, afraid, or frightened due to something in their environment, and they may choose to consume something nearby as a coping mechanism.
Fireworks, thunderstorms, aggressive canines, unpleasant people, and loneliness are just some situations that might make Labradors feel stressed or anxious.
Labradors adore their owners and like being a part of the family, especially when children are involved. When their humans are gone for extended periods, dogs may experience separation anxiety and act out by devouring things around the house or yard.
Your Labrador may consume various items from your yard (even grass) as a coping mechanism if you leave them unattended in the yard during a rainstorm, a hostile neighbor dog, or if they suffer from separation anxiety.
Though labs enjoy playing outside, we advise keeping them mostly indoors and against letting them live their entire lives outdoors. This is not only due to the potential physical consequences, such as extreme weather and temperature changes but also because Labs thrive on interpersonal relationships and form strong bonds with their owners.
Can Eating Grass Affect Your Labrador?
As mentioned above in the section regarding digestive problems, your dog may vomit after eating grass. Another effect is that your dog might not respond negatively to eating grass and just act normally.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian’s office immediately if you have any worries about your dog eating grass because they are the experts on your dog. Dogs occasionally experience medical problems that require attention; in those cases, your prompt action will help your dog heal more quickly.
If your Labrador tends to eat grass, be aware that they may also consume other dangerous outdoor objects or plants, such as avocados and grass.
Keeping your dog away from other plants that could harm canines, such as oleander, poinsettias, and English ivy, is crucial. Protecting your pets from potentially harmful products during the holidays requires extra caution.
Please be cautious while letting your dog go among treated grass, as chemicals such as fertilizer or pest control may also be sprayed there. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian right away.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Lab to stop eating grass?
Consider changing your dog’s food to one that is high in fiber and has nutritious sources of the nutrients she requires. A food upgrade would likely end the practice of eating grass.
What can I do if my dog keeps eating grass?
Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if they show signs of a pica-like fixation with eating grass or other non-food objects. Attention to the warning indications because non-food objects might cause poisoning or obstruct your dog’s digestive system.
Do dogs eat grass to be sick?
Many dog owners are concerned that their dogs eating grass may be ill. However, dogs eating grass is a relatively frequent behavior. Dogs frequently consume grass only because they enjoy the taste. Often, there is no need for concern.
Conclusion
The weird and fascinating things that labradors do include occasionally deciding to eat grass. Your Lab may eat grass (and possibly vomit afterward) because of boredom, an upset stomach, too much excitement, or stress.
To prevent your Lab from purposefully eating grass, keep them occupied with mental stimulation, exercise, and supervision. Talk to your veterinarian if you are worried about your Labrador’s health due to them eating grass. Also, please try to get them to focus on the delectable, authorized goodies you want them to consume.
