What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How It Relates to Pawsitive Longevity™
By Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM
Oak Park Animal Hospital – Caring for Pets and Their People Since 1972

Where prevention, compassion, and Pawsitive Longevity™ come together.

If you have ever walked your dog and watched them suddenly stop to graze like a tiny cow, you are not alone. In fact, “Why do dogs eat grass?” is the most Googled dog health question worldwide.

At Oak Park Animal Hospital, we hear this concern almost daily. Pet parents are not just curious—they are worried.

Is my dog sick?
Are they nauseous?
Is this dangerous?

The good news is that most grass-eating behavior is normal. The even better news is that understanding why your dog eats grass can help protect their long-term health, which is exactly what Pawsitive Longevity™ is all about.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons, and not all of them indicate illness.

1. Normal Instinctual Behavior

Dogs are omnivores by nature. Grass-eating behavior dates back to their wild ancestors and is often:

• Exploratory
• Habitual
• Simply enjoyable

Many dogs that eat grass are otherwise perfectly healthy.

2. Digestive Upset or Mild Nausea

Some dogs eat grass when experiencing:

• Mild stomach discomfort
• Acid reflux
• Early gastrointestinal irritation

While grass-eating is sometimes followed by vomiting, studies show that fewer than 25 percent of dogs vomit afterward, and most show no signs of illness beforehand.

3. Fiber Seeking or Dietary Imbalance

Grass contains fiber, and dogs may seek it out if:

• Their diet is low in fiber
• They have inconsistent stools
• Their gut microbiome is out of balance

From a Pawsitive Longevity™ perspective, gut health plays a critical role in immune function, inflammation control, and healthy aging.

4. Boredom, Anxiety, or Stress

Some dogs eat grass due to:

• Under-stimulation
• Anxiety
• Stress or a need for comfort

Behavioral wellness is just as important as physical health and is a core belief at our hospital.

When Grass-Eating Is Not Normal

Occasional grazing is common. However, frequent or obsessive grass-eating may signal an underlying issue.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog:

• Eats grass daily or compulsively
• Vomits repeatedly
• Has diarrhea or constipation
• Experiences weight loss or appetite changes
• Appears lethargic or uncomfortable
• Has blood in their vomit or stool

These signs may indicate:

• Gastrointestinal disease
• Parasites
• Food intolerance
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Metabolic or systemic illness

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have for extending both lifespan and quality of life.

Is Eating Grass Dangerous?

It can be, depending on the source.

Potential risks include:

• Pesticides and herbicides
• Fertilizers
• Parasite exposure
• Toxic plants mistaken for grass

We recommend:

• Avoiding treated lawns
• Preventing access to unknown plants
• Maintaining consistent parasite prevention

Grass-Eating and Pawsitive Longevity™

At Oak Park Animal Hospital, Pawsitive Longevity™ means proactive, personalized care that supports your pet’s health across every life stage—not just reacting to illness.

Grass-eating can provide valuable insight into:

• Digestive health
• Nutritional balance
• Behavioral well-being
• Early warning signs of chronic disease

Rather than asking, “Is this normal?” we ask:
“What is your dog telling us?”

By listening early, we can:

• Optimize nutrition
• Support gut health
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve comfort and vitality
• Extend healthy years together

How We Evaluate Grass-Eating at Oak Park Animal Hospital

Dr. Dina Bascharon and our medical team take a whole-pet approach that may include:

• A detailed dietary review
• Lifestyle and behavior assessment
• Gastrointestinal health screening
• Parasite testing
• Nutritional or fiber adjustments
• Preventive wellness planning

Every dog is unique, and their care should be too.

When in Doubt, Ask

You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off, trust that instinct.