My Bichon Chewing on Grass / Should I be Worried?
Your beloved canine companion clearly is not a cow, so you might be confused when you see him eating grass. You might even be worried. Is he hungry? Bored sick? Will eating grass hurt him?
If your Bichon Frise enjoys a hearty helping of grass every once in a while, it is not caused for concern. This normal canine behavior is something every dog engages in from time to time. It is most likely simply a way for Bichon Frise to ease any stomach discomfort he is experiencing.
Grass eating is a very typical canine behavior. In general, veterinarians are not concerned by dogs who choose to eat grass, assuming it is only an occasional practice. Studies show that dogs do consume grass and other plants from time to time, so this particular activity is not necessarily a cause of panic.
The reason why does Bichon Frise eat grass?
There are the following reasons why does Bichon Frise eat grass?
· Pica/Nutritional deficiency:
Pica is the technical term for a disorder characterized by eating things that are not food. Sometimes pica indicates that your dog has some type of nutritional deficiency, though it is often simply a sign of boredom, especially when practiced by puppies and young dogs. Some dog owners claim they suspect their dog is not receiving all of the nutrients he needs from his food, so he is seeking some on his own through a plant-based source. While it is entirely possible that this is true, it is difficult to ascertain precisely what your dog is missing. However, it could be a powerful indicator that a change in diet is required.
· Digestive issue:
Most dogs who choose to consume grass exhibit no signs of ill behavior prior to eating it, and fewer than 25 percent of dogs who do eat grass later throw it up. Since dogs are very practical creatures, it may be that your Bichon Frise is having digestion issues, and he feels that a little bit of grass will provide the fiber he needs to get things moving in the right direction. The grass is a form of consumable fiber and may well help to regulate a floundering digestive system to help get things back on track.
· Suffering from internal parasites:
Other dogs who may be suffering from parasites or worms in the stomach lining choose to eat grass as a means of relief and an additional food source. Parasitic infestations often lead to ravenous dogs. If your dog is not free fed, his access to his dog food is limited, thus he seeks an alternative type of food in his attempts to satiate his hunger.
· Nuisance behaviors:
Of course, there is always the thought that maybe your dog just really likes grass! Tastes vary from individual to individual, and it just might be that grass is your dog’s version of chips and dip on a hot summer day. To each his own. If your dog is bored, nuisance behaviors will sometimes surface. If you have access to a fully fenced in yard but with little to do to stimulate his mind, he might chew grass just because he can. It is a way to pass the time until you get home to entertain him. It is also possible that your Bichon Frise has an upset stomach, and eating grass helps to settle it. This is likely the most common reason dog owners city behind seeing this behavior in their own dogs. The action generally appears one day and is gone the next.
Recovering from illness:
Most people are not aware that throughout history indigenous people and all mammals have turned to grasses and green plants to recover from illnesses. Green plants are green because they contain high amounts of chlorophyll.
What does chlorophyll do for the body?
- Inactivates pathogenic bacteria and fungi:
Chlorophyll inactivates the pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi mean harmful bacteria and fungi. It’s very dangerous for the dog’s digestive system. It may change the pH of the dog’s stomach.
- Neutralizes toxins:
Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins. These toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood circulatory system and your dog may suffer from toxemia. So, chlorophyll purifies your dog’s body.
- Enriches the blood:
Chlorophyll and hemoglobin are nearly identical.
- Give strength to the immune system:
Chlorophyll contains a rich mixture of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty and nucleic acids, and nutrients.
Among all kinds of vitamins, vitamin A is present in large amounts in green grass Which is beneficial for strengthening the eye’s vision and prevent it from any kind of eye disease. Protein makes the different parts of the body. Nucleic acids play an important role in making DNA.
- Provide a large number of digestive enzymes:
Chlorophyll provides a large number of digestive enzymes. These enzymes play an important role in the digestive system while the digestion of food.
Grass eating as a means to vomit:
One of the more common theories behind dogs that eat grass is that they do it as a means to vomit. To date, the majority of research into dogs that eat grass do not vomit after doing so. Interestingly, however, one study reveals that there is some variety in the method in which dogs eat grass slowly rarely vomit afterward; however, dogs that eat grass more rapidly almost always vomit. This finding raises the question as to whether dogs that do eat grass rapidly are doing so to relieve stomach discomfort after eating something that does not agree with them. Dogs that take part in the grass eating as a means to vomit will not be regular grass eaters and when they do eat grass it will, according to this theory, be a rapid feeding that almost immediately results in vomiting.
Eating grass to seize the day:
Dogs who eat grass voraciously rather than frantically, just because they adhere to the “seize the day” philosophy of life. In other words, these dogs feast and want to fill up quickly because you never know what tomorrow brings.
Dogs don’t really think like this in such a rational way as humans do, but more at an instinctive level. The behavior of dogs gulping down food like there’s no tomorrow is likely reminiscent of the days when in the wild, they led a “feast or famine” lifestyle.
Before food waste from human settlements provided a new niche, a dog’s ancestors dealt with times when there was food in abundance and lean times when they were starving. When food was in abundance, they would fill up very quickly, especially considering that anything not consumed within a certain time frame could have been quickly eaten by other opportunistic animals.
Sometimes, certain dynamics contribute to making the grass extra salient to dogs, and therefore, worthy of consuming quickly. For instance, if your dog is fond of a particular type of sweet-smelling grass that he may find only sometimes on the walk, he may gulp it down quickly when it stumbles upon it due to scarcity.
Also, if you normally prohibit your dog from eating grass, that day you are not watching, you can bet your dog will eat it voraciously. Bored, under-stimulated dogs may find grass extra appealing due to their need to forage and some dogs may even eat grass as part of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Should we be worried:
First, it’s important to know the difference between selective eating and frantic eating. If your dog normally snacks on grass every once in a while, they will often spend some time searching for grass that will feed their urge. They might be more selective about the types of grass they choose to eat.
For dogs that are frantically eating for stomach relief, there’s no selection process. They run to the first patch of grass they see and grab a large mouthful.
There may be cause for concern with the latter behavior. It’s always recommended that you seek veterinary care whenever your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort. With that being said, not all stomach issues require medical attention.
Stomach problems can come and go fast. Occasional stomach dilemmas are to be expected. As long as the problem doesn’t persist, let your dog do his or her thing.
Your pup is smart enough to know what they need to do. The act of eating grass is their attempt to get some relief. If they are doing it to vomit, they are trying to get rid of the thing that’s causing them pain.
It’s the same as us humans grabbing a bottle of antacid. Just keep an eye out on how often the behavior occurs. If it wants to see if are any underlying issue causing the pain.
Is eating grass dangerous:
Generally, snacking on some grass here and there is no cause for concern. The grass is a natural plant that’s filled with vitamins. As long as it doesn’t make up a significant portion of their diet, there’s no harm.
However, it’s important that you think about some possible issues that could arise. The biggest problem you could encounter is a sickness from pesticides and fertilizers.
If you bring your dog to the local park, there is a good chance that chemicals are used to keep that grass in good condition, so keep a watchful eye. Your dog should never eat anything that’s chemically treated.
Also, you need to make sure that your dog doesn’t eat anything that’s potentially poisonous. As they tear apart grass, they could easily pick up toxic plants or fungus. To keep your dog as safe, take a look around your yard and remove anything that could pose a health risk.
Finally, you want to be wary about how much grass your dog is eating. Large quantities could lead to a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract. Remember, the grass is not easy to digest, so you need to be careful. Consider changing up their diet or providing them with healthy alternatives to grass if they are eating too much.
The importance of keeping a watchful eye on asymptomatic grass eating in Bichon Frise dog:
Bichon fries that eat grass but do not show symptoms that may indicate physical illness can be allowed to perform this behavior with a watchful eye on the grass being eaten. In addition to the fact that many kinds of grass contain pesticides and herbicides that can cause illness many times, grasses can also contain fecal residue from dogs with parasites such as hookworms. Many of these types of parasites can still remain living in even the smallest amount of waste residue and when the contaminated grass is consumed, the parasite takes up residence in the consuming dog’s intestinal tract causing an active infection that must be treated.
How to get your Bichon Frise dog to stop eating grass?
There are the following steps which help you to get your dog to stop eating grass.
1. Switch your dog’s food:
Some dogs may nibble on grass because of a nutritional deficiency. Give your dog a different type of premium food for a week. This may help alleviate its desire to eat grass.
- Get a premium dog food that is high in fiber. This can ensure your dog is getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. The additional fiber may help relieve your dog’s desire for grass by aiding digestion and keeping it regular.
- Look for the following types of fiber on dog food labels: rice hulls, beet pulp, bran, peanut-hulls, protein.
- Change to your dog’s new food gradually over five days. On the first day, mix 20 percent each day, until you reach 100 % on the fifth day. Follow with one week on the new food.
2. Treat your dog to steamed veggies:
Another way to increase your dog’s fiber intake is by giving it steamed vegetables. You can do this as a snack or part of regular meals. Steamed veggies can also be a nice alternative to commercial dog snacks. Consider steaming the following for your dog:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes.
Give your dog its own plant:
If your dog really likes eating grass without any ill health, consider giving it a plant. This can help your dog fulfill its natural instinct to munch on greenery and keep it away from grass. The following plants or greens are safe for your dog to eat.
- Burdock herb
- Milk thistle
- Peppermint
- Astragalus herb
- Garlic grass
- Rosemary
3. Allow your dog occasional chomps of grass:
Before humans domesticated them, dogs used to hunt their own food and would get dietary needs including greens from their prey. Let your dog have a nibble of grass occasionally if the animals seem to enjoy it and it’s not causing any health issues.
- Recognize that you can train a dog to stop eating grass. However, it may be difficult and cause your dog stress because it is following a natural instinct.
4. Give the dog a bone or chew stick:
Many dogs eat grass because they are bored and need some form of entertainment. Making sure your dog has plenty of bones and chew sticks can provide it entertainment that engages the mouth. This may stop your dog from chewing on grass as an alternative. They also help improve a dog’s dental health and can relieve teething pain.
- Choose a bone or chew toy for your dog made from either natural materials or nylon. You can get natural chewing toys by giving your dog beef bones, rawhide bones, and non-rawhide chews made from vegetables and chicken.
- Select nylon chew toys are bone-hard and a great choice if your dog is a power chewer. You may also want to get a dental bone that cleans your dog’s teeth and keeps its mouth occupied.
5. Schedule daily playtime:
Humans originally bred dogs to work. It’s a natural instinct for a dog to want to “work” through play and other stimulating activities. Making sure your dog is not a couch potato by scheduling playtime every day can also stop it from eating grass. Try and schedule 30-60 minutes of play for the same time every day so your dog knows to anticipate it. The following types of play can stimulate and engage your dog and may prevent nibbling on grass.
- Running
- Walking
- Fetching
- Catching a Frisbee or ball
- Visiting a local dog park
- Hunting for dinner.
6. Provide toys during the alone time:
You may need to go to work or school during the day. This may require leaving your dog at home, which can cause boredom and lack of activity. Making sure your dog has plenty of toys at home can help it beat the boredom and may prevent it from eating grass when you are outside.
Your dog may enjoy:
- Hard rubber toys for chewing and carrying around
- Rope toys
- Tennis balls
- Busy box toys with hiding places for snacks
- Soft, stuffed toys
- Dirty laundry that smells like you.
7. Deter your dog with a home scent:
Some scents, such as coffee or spices, repel a dog from approaching and eating grass. Spray or spread readily available scents you have in your home to keep the dog from eating grass.
- Sprinkle black or cayenne pepper or chili powder around the edges of your lawn. You can also mix these in a bottle with water and spray it around the yard. Make sure to use only a moderate amount of each as sniffing these scents can cause your dog’s nose to become inflamed.
- Spray a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vinegar around the yard. These scents will deter your dog from crossing on to the lawn. Avoid spraying directly on the grass, as the vinegar may harm your lawn.
- Avoid spreading coffee grounds on the grass. Some people recommend this method, but caffeine is actually toxic to dogs, so this is a potentially dangerous deterrent.
8. Plants borders on the grass:
Certain plants have a scent that repels dogs. Creating borders around your grass with these plants can keep your dog away from the lawn. The following plants may deter your dog from eating grass.
- Coleus Canina
- Marigold or calendula
- Lemongrass
- Citrus tree
- Hollies
- Evergreen huckleberry
- Succulents such as aloe
9. Reprimand your dog:
Despite your best efforts, your canine companion may still chew on grass. Some owners physically punish their dogs to stop undesirable behavior and can make your dog fear you. Using a firm, “ no!” can teach your dog to stop eating grass. If your dog is on a leash, you can gently pull on it while saying “no”
- Stay consistent with your reprimanding. Dogs eventually learn that “ No” means you do not like the behavior.
10. Train your dog to not eat grass.
Although sometimes difficult, you can train your dog to not eat grass. The safest and kindest way to do this is by using a spray bottle. Whenever you go outside with your dog, carry a spray bottle filled with cool and clean water. If your dog puts its mouth near the grass, reprimand it with a firm “No” followed by a spray in the face with the water.
- Avoid filling the spray bottle with hot water or other liquids. These could get stung your dog’s eyes or hurt it.
11. Visit your vet:
If your dog continues to eat grass despite your best attempts, schedule an appointment with your vet. The vet can examine your dog for underlying physical and mental conditions. The doctor may also suggest an animal behavioral specialist or dog trainer who can help stop your dog from eating grass.
12. Treating intestinal parasites:
In case your dog is suffering from intestinal parasites, your vet will have to perform some tests. This way, he will be able to determine the type of parasites your dog has contracted. He will recommend treatment and prevention of the specific parasite.
It is even of more importance to device a way to prevent transmission of worms. This is especially important when it comes to puppies. Puppies are at the risk of the mother. However, your vet will be able to recommend the best medication to protect your puppies.
13. Introduce the feed with toxin binder:
Give feed to your dog which contains toxin binder these toxin binders can bind the toxin which presents in the stomach. It may save your dog from toxemia. Toxemia is the general condition in which toxins enter into the bloodstream and may go to other organs.
Other solution and considerations:
There are some solution and consideration which help you to keep your dog away from grass-eating:
If your Bichon Frise enjoys a little mid-day grass snacking, it is not necessarily something that should cause you to lose any sleep at night. Most experts agree it likely has more to do with regulating digestive issues than anything.
Thankfully, eating grass is not harmful to the dogs of today. In the previous year, dog owners made use of chemical pesticides that could be extremely dangerous for their beloved furry companions.
However, today’s eco-friendly homeowners favor using all-natural products for weed prevention and lawn maintenance, making grass eating a safe activity for our dogs. If you have any doubts if your dog’s penchant for grass eating is normal, it is always wise to consult your veterinarian. If you suspect your dog has a parasitic infection, it is best to seek professional help. Your veterinarian can provide a thorough examination and assessment to determine the root cause of the problem and treat it appropriately.
Since grass-eating comes naturally to our dogs, it is entirely possible that it is an inherited behavior or even one gained through observation of other canines in the wild.
Dogs learn by studying the actions of other animals and mimicking them. If Momma ate grass and her babies watched her doing it, her babies may well begin eating grass as well. In this manner, it becomes a self- perpetuating habit.
We cannot discount that our dogs are canine opportunists. In the wild, sourcing food was not always possible aware of what true hunger felt like. The grass was always available in plentiful supply and afforded the dog a little something to ease a sore and rumbling belly.
Conclusion:
If your Bichon Frise enjoys a hearty helping of grass every once in a while, it is not caused for concern. This normal canine behavior is something every dog engages in from time to time. It is most likely simply a way for Bichon Frise to ease any stomach discomfort he is experiencing.
However, if Bichon Frise’s grass-eating has you concerned, it is always wise to schedule a consultation with your vet to rule out any potential injuries or illness facilitating the behavior.
