What to do if your dog is eating grass in Virginia Beach, VA
Aug 28, 2022
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Dogs regularly eat grass for a number of reasons. Your dog might find it generally appealing. Dogs are omnivores and soft green grass can be very enticing for them to try and eat. However, many myths have arisen about dogs eating grass, including the myth that grass is toxic to dogs or indicative of pica, a compulsive eating disorder. The good news is that these myths are not based in reality, and dogs can safely eat most Virginia Beach grass with no long-term concerns. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s safe.1. Check that the grass isn’t chemically treated.
While grass itself is not inherently toxic for dogs, the chemicals that are used to treat grass can be. If you’re out at a park, you want to check with whoever owns the park to see whether the owners use chemical treatments and pesticides for the grass. If your dog loves eating the grass in your backyard, you want to make sure you’re avoiding chemical treatments on your own grass.
2. Watch for signs that your dog is compulsively eating grass.
In some rare cases, dogs can compulsively eat grass as part of a disorder called pica. This is very rare, and if your dog only occasionally eats grass, it is a normal part of dog behavior. It’s only necessary to pay attention to it and potentially bring it up to your veterinarian if your dog is eating grass over actual digestible food, if your dog is regularly vomiting because of how much grass they’re eating, or if your dog seems driven to eat grass very regularly.
3. Ensure your pet is eating grass and not toxic Virginia Beach plants.
There are many plants that are common in the Virginia Beach area that might be toxic to your dog. If your dog is eating these plants and not grass, it could be a potential problem. Here are a few toxic plants in Virginia Beach to be aware of:
- Castor beans (Often ornamental)
- Blue-green algae (Possibly present in ponds or lakes)
- Milkweed
- Mushrooms (Potential toxicity when encountered in the wild)
- Lily of the valley, azaleas, mums, and tulips (Common in Virginia Beach gardens)
Many of these plants are present around the Virginia Beach area but are easy to distinguish from grass. Before you let your dog wander around an area, check for these plants first.
4. Talk to a veterinarian if you’re really concerned.
If you’re seriously concerned about your dog’s habit of eating grass, or if you notice your dog throwing up regularly, regardless of whether or not they’ve been eating grass, it’s a good idea to talk to a Virginia Beach veterinarian. This is the best way to soothe your fears about your dog eating grass, as well as any other health problems your dog might be experiencing.
When it’s not bad for a dog to eat grass
Eating grass can be a completely normal part of a dog’s day-to-day life, even if the dog regurgitates the half-eaten grass afterward. It only becomes a problem if it interferes with your dog’s health and well-being. If you’re ever worried about your dog’s health, it’s always a good idea to talk to an online veterinarian about it. They can help soothe any fears you have.
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