Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?

We've all seen our dogs and cats chew on grass and I'm sure wondered "why do they do that, they're just going to vomit it back up".  Well there are lots of potential reasons for this behavior and they range from "just because" to legitimate medical issues.  All of the reasons, while fairly benign, need to be watched because if your pet exhibits signs and/or symptoms that are new then you may want to put a call into the vet to see if it is something that bears a visit.  So what are the reasons?

Well, the first reason I found is literally because they can and it might just taste good.  If they are just chewing on the blades once in a while and not vomiting then really there is no need to be concerned.  Some animals just like the taste and want some extra fiber.  As long as there are no chemicals or pesticides to  worry about then let them graze.

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/why-do-dogs-eat-grass

Another reason is their tummies are upset so they actually eat the grass to make themselves vomit so

they feel better.  If your pet seems to be less than him/herself lately and this is a new behavior then you will want to consider a call to your vet to discuss the behavior and a potential visit.  Sometimes once is enough for them but if this behavior continues several times over the course of a week then I would definitely consider a visit to make sure nothing is wrong.  Better safe than sorry, in my opinion.

http://www.vetlive.com/2011/02/21/online-vet-answers-why-do-dogs-eat-grass/

Dogs, unlike cats, are not carnivores and actually need roughage so when your dog eats grass it is really completely normal.  While cats are carnivores they still need the nutrition that comes from plants in their diet as well.  This is why nutrition is so very important for your pet.

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/nutritioninformation/f/FAQ_eatgrass.htm

http://pets.thenest.com/dog-eat-grass-vomit-4440.html

So what do we, as parents, do about this behavior?  Well, I have admit the answer to that is as long as your pet is acting normally and eating and drinking properly then we do nothing because it is very normal behavior.  Maybe grow some for your pet to chew on inside if you are concerned about chemicals and pesticides.

 If their behavior changes, vomiting continues for 24 hours or more or they are not eating or drinking that is the time to seek medical advice.

Any change in your pet's behavior should indicate something is wrong even if it is slight.  They will always give us clues and indications they do not feel good so make sure you know your pet and his/her behaviors so you will know when something is not right.

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Do You Know Someone Who Is A "Pet Hypochondriac"?

Some of you may have heard of Munchausen by Proxy in which the mother of a child will abuse the child and then take the child to the doctor for treatment.  It is a very rare disease and is very misunderstood.  The cause is yet to be determined so treatment is difficult.  Why do I mention this human psychological disorder in an animal blog?  Well, I mention it because it can also happen to varying degrees with pets as well. I know it seems strange but I have recently come across a similar situation with a pet owner.  While I do not believe she is physically abusing this animal, she is running to the vet every time the cat sneezes or looks at her strangely.  She has made up illnesses and somehow convinced her vet that something is wrong with the animal. 


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001555.htm

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/factitious_disorders/hic_munchausen_syndrome_by_proxy.aspx

http://www.psychforums.com/munchausen-by-proxy/topic19799.html

http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/munchausen-by-proxy-with-pets.html

Fortunately I am able to be involved with this animal's care currently and have gotten a second opinion and this lead to quite a different outcome much to her surprise and dismay.  This begs the question, does she really want the cat to be sick?  There is no real answer to that I do not believe.

I personally believe some people want others to look at them and see all they are doing for this

This mom poisoned her baby and then sought treatment

helpless animal and tell them what great people they are and I know people who do that with various things in their lives.  So what do you do if you know someone like this?

The first thing to do is not feed into their proven (by a vet) conceived notions that their pet is sick.  If their vet and possibly one or two others have told them there is nothing wrong then they should take that and move on, but this disease does not allow for that.  These people are convinced something is wrong and may potentially blame others for it as well.

Whether someone suffers from Munchausen by Proxy with a child or a pet it is a serious illness that can and will forever damage the victim.  If you do know someone, whether they are affecting a child or pet, please let someone know such as local law enforcement or a mental health professional.  If you are in a position to do so, seek help for them immediately to prevent further damage and injury to the victim.

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