Why Is My Dog Eating Plants? All You Need To Know

Dogs eating plants is a common occurrence that many pet parents find themselves discovering. While it may be alarming at first, rest assured that in most cases, it’s harmless, and your pup is likely just acting on instinct. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons your dog might eat plants.

Dog Eating Plants

Boredom or Anxiety

Just like humans, dogs like Shih Tzu Personality can get bored or anxious. When left alone for long periods, some dogs will turn to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or shoes to release built-up energy. 

Others may start eating plants as a way to self-soothe or pass the time. If your dog only seems to eat plants when left alone, boredom or anxiety may be to blame. 

Hunger or Thirst

Another possibility is that your dog is simply hungry or thirsty. Although dogs typically don’t graze like cows or other plant-eating animals, it’s not uncommon for them to nibble on grass if their stomach is empty. 

If your pet regularly seems hungry or thirsty, make sure they’re on a high-quality diet that provides all the nutrients they need and always have fresh water available. 

Mineral Deficiencies

Sometimes, you can trace a dog’s plant-eating behavior to a deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals. For example, if your pet isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet, they may start nibbling on grass as a way to make up for it. 

If you suspect your pet might have a mineral deficiency, talk to your veterinarian about changing their diet or supplementing with vitamins.                          

When To Stop Dogs From Eating Grass?

One of the most common questions new dog owners ask is whether they should stop their furry friend from eating grass. While there is no definitive answer, there are a few things to consider before deciding. 

Some experts believe that grass-eating is normal canine behavior and that it can actually help to settle an upset stomach. However, others point out that grass typically contains toxins that can be harmful to dogs. 

In addition, grass-eating can sometimes indicate a lack of nutrients in the diet. As a result, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before making a decision about whether or not to allow your dog to eat grass. 

If it is decided that grass-eating should be discouraged, there are a few simple steps that you can take. For example, adding lemon juice to the grass can make it unappealing to dogs, and providing plenty of soft chew toys so that  Adult Dog Teeth can chew it, too, will give them something else to focus on. 

Ultimately, the best way to deal with grass-eating is to talk to a professional and make a plan that is best for your furry friend.

How To Stop Dogs From Eating Plants?

Munching on a few leaves here and there may not seem like a big deal, but some plants can be poisonous to dogs if ingested in large quantities. If you’re concerned about your dog’s plant-eating habits, here are a few tips and some suggestions to keep them from nibbling on your plants.

1. Keep Plants Out of Reach

One of the simplest ways to prevent your dog from eating plants is to keep them out of reach. It may mean moving houseplants to higher shelves or placing them in rooms where your dog can’t reach them.

If you have outdoor plants, you may need to put up a fence or gate around them to keep your pup from getting to them.

2. Choose Non-Toxic Plants

When selecting new plants for your home, take some time to research which ones are safe for dogs. Many beautiful and low-maintenance plants won’t pose a threat to your furry friend if they decide to take a nibble.

Some of the best options include:

  1. African violets
  2. Boston ferns
  3. Christmas cacti
  4. Prayer plant

3. Make Plants Less Appealing

If you can’t or don’t want to remove all of the plants from your home, there are still some ways you can deter your dog from eating them. One option is to try spraying the plants with a pet-safe repellent.

You can also try sprinkling the plants with chili powder or cayenne pepper. The spicy taste will likely deter your dog from taking a bite. Just be sure to wash the plants before bringing them back inside if you plan on using them for decoration.

4. Provide A Distraction

It’s also important to ensure your dog has enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. Bored or anxious dogs are more likely to turn to plant-eating to relieve their boredom or stress.

Providing your dog with plenty of toys, puzzle feeders, and daily walks or runs will help them stay happy and healthy—and less likely to turn to your plants for entertainment.

5. Talk to Your Vet

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your dog is still eating plants, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health conditions that may be causing the behavior and provide additional guidance on how to stop it.

Conclusion

There are several reasons your dog might be eating plants, but there’s no cause for concern in most cases. However, suppose you notice your pet eating plants more frequently than usual or displaying other changes in behavior. 

In that case, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. With a little patience and understanding, you should be able to determine why your dog has taken up this new habit and stop it if needed.