dogs eating grass

Eating grass is a common behaviour in dogs and cats, and there's no doubt that the occasional nibble is quite normal. When this becomes habitual, compulsive or excessive however, there is usually an underlying reason which needs addressing if this is to be resolved.

In Vince The Vets experience, the commonest causes of this, and measures which most often help are as follows: 

1. Gut Flora (Microbiome) Disturbances

Healthy bowels are home to a dynamic array of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms, which assist in the breakdown of food and the assimilation of the nutrients present.

Disturbances can arise as a result of early life experiences which adversely affect the development of a healthy bowel bacteria population, or subsequent damage to the gut microbiome caused by environmental and dietary chemicals, toxins, drugs such as antibiotics, food additives and other factors.

Signs when this is the case typically include:

• soft or sloppy stools
• excessive wind
• bad breath
• recurrent