You may have noticed that your chiweenie sometimes eats grass. As the owner of two chiweenies, I have observed this as well. I have had a lot of questions in my mind. Why does a chiweenie eat grass? Is eating grass dangerous? How do I stop a chiweenie from eating grass? I have searched the internet for answers.
So, why does a chiweenie eat grass? Science has no definitive answer why a chiweenie eats grass. But it is speculated that a chiweenie eats grass to solve digestion problems, get rid of parasites, combat nutrient deficiency, or simply because they have nothing better to do. But eating grass can be very dangerous for your chiweenie, so you may want to train them to let go of this habit.
Possible reasons why a chiweenie eats grass
Some say that dogs eat grass naturally and it should be nothing to think about. Some also say that dogs eat grass because they are trying to solve something, such as their upset stomach or the parasites living in their bodies.
Whatever the case may be, it doesn’t change the fact that your chiweenie does eat grass. Here are the possible reasons why.
Digestion problems
When your chiweenie has an upset stomach, they may experience digestive problems such as diarrhea and intestinal blockage. Some chiweenies even fart a lot.
One of the most popular theories why dogs, including your chiweenie, eat grass is to aid digestion and trigger vomiting. Indeed, dogs do vomit after they eat grass, and they may end up letting go of the things that are causing their digestion issues.
But this theory becomes weaker when you realize that dogs don’t always vomit after they eat grass. In fact, according to a study, less than 25% of dogs regularly vomit after eating grass. Grass also has fibers that are difficult for dogs to digest. The dogs simply don’t have the enzymes to digest them properly.
Parasites
There are a lot of parasites that can trouble your chiweenie, such as roundworms and tapeworms.
Another popular theory is that dogs eat grass to get rid of these parasites. These parasites may be flushed out of their bodies through vomiting.
But you shouldn’t rely on such natural remedies if your chiweenie is suffering from a parasite infestation. Consult your veterinarian immediately and get the proper medication. But sometimes, even if your chiweenie is already consuming the proper medication, they may still end up eating grass to aid the process. This can be counterproductive as they may prematurely vomit out the medication too.
Some experts believe that dogs are simply hardwired to eat grass. It is in their DNA, passed down by their wolf ancestors who have consumed grass-eating animals.
Nutrient deficiency
Grass is packed with nutrients. It has calcium, selenium, iron, and a range of fibers and vitamins. This makes grass a prominent meal for cows and goats.
Another theory as to why dogs eat grass is that they are trying to treat their nutrient deficiency. They may not be getting enough nutrients in their diet so they will try to find other foods that will give them the nutrients they need. But this theory can easily be countered. Dogs don’t digest grass properly, so they actually just benefit from some of the fibers and not the other nutrients.
Unlike cows and goats, your chiweenie’s stomach is not complex enough to absorb the nutrients efficiently and digest the grass properly.
Boredom or curiosity
Chiweenies are energetic dogs. They are so energetic that they will need a high-calorie diet to keep up with their active lifestyle. As a chiweenie owner, you have to provide enough avenues for your dog to burn all these calories and energy.
If you don’t provide these avenues, your chiweenie may end up physically stimulating themselves. They may bark a lot, dig up soil in your yard, and eat grass in your lawn. This is another theory on why dogs eat grass – they are simply curious or bored out of their minds. They have nothing better to do.
Why eating grass can be dangerous for a chiweenie
Dogs eating grass are a common sight. But common doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Eating grass can actually be detrimental for your dogs, especially for the tiny chiweenie.
Toxic chemicals
Grass, especially those outside your property, may have been treated with chemicals you don’t know of. Pesticides are a great example. Business owners, government institutions, and even your neighbors may have treated their grass with these toxic chemicals.
If your chiweenie has the habit of eating grass in your home, they may bring this habit outside your home too. They may end up eating the grass of properties that have been treated with these toxic chemicals.
Your chiweenie is a small dog. It will only take a tiny portion of these toxic chemicals to harm or even kill your pet.
Toxic plants
The grass in your home and your vicinity may not be toxic by themselves. They can be toxic because of chemicals such as pesticides. And they can be toxic because of plants too. There are a number of toxic plants out there that are more common than you think, such as aloe vera and daffodil.
When your chiweenie accidentally consumes these toxic plants as they eat grass, they may end up with a variety of symptoms, like anemia, nausea, lethargy, and in some severe cases, even stroke.
Bugs, insects, and parasites
It is theorized that dogs eat grass to get rid of parasites. But interestingly enough, dogs can actually get parasites by eating grass too. Roundworms in particular can be found in the feces of infested hosts. If your chiweenie ends up eating grass and the feces in it, they may become infested by the parasites.
Bugs and insects are not out of the question too. Many of them nest on the ground. Your chiweenie eating grass may disturb them. These bugs and insects may attack your dog in retaliation. Give particular attention to bees, fire ants, hornets, and wasps.
Dental problems
Your chiweenie is already prone to dental problems. As a small crossbreed, their teeth are packed in such a small space in their mouth. Plaque and tartar can easily thrive and wreak havoc.
You are putting your chiweenie at risk of more dental problems if you let them eat grass. Grass contains a huge amount of silica, a compound that wears down the enamel in your chiweenie’s teeth. This makes your chiweenie more prone to tooth decay and tooth loss.
How to stop your chiweenie from eating grass
Because of all the dangers associated with eating grass, you should not just let your chiweenie eat away. There are things you can do to stop your chiweenie from eating grass.
· Put your chiweenie in a leash. Instead of allowing your chiweenie to roam free, put them on a leash so you can supervise. Whenever they try to eat grass, pull them back. But be careful, because you may end up hurting your dog. Instead of a collar, try using a harness.
· Divert your chiweenie’s attention. When you see your chiweenie about to eat grass, try to get their attention. Call them by their name, give them a command, or give them a toy that will keep them busy. They will forget about their green meal in no time.
· Avoid using treats to get your chiweenie’s attention. When you are trying to get your chiweenie’s attention whenever they are eating or about to eat grass, avoid using treats. You may give the wrong notion to your chiweenie. They may think that you are rewarding their grass eating habit.
· Use positive reinforcement. The chiweenie is a stubborn crossbreed. They get this temperament from their chihuahua side of the family. It’s best to train your chiweenie with positive reinforcement instead of punishment. Simply praise them when they stop eating grass.
Final Thoughts
We don’t know exactly why dogs, including your chiweenie, eat grass. But there are theories out there formulated by experts. Dogs may eat grass to solve digestion problems, get rid of parasites, combat nutrient deficiency, or fight boredom.
But grass eating can be dangerous for your chiweenie, so make sure to train them to let the habit go.
Consider going to the veterinarian if you think your chiweenie’s grass eating habit is too excessive or if you think your chiweenie appears unwell.