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Green grass is not the same as a greenie! Monday, June 29, 2009

by Stephanie Modkins

Think your dog needs to eat grass? Well, you're wrong. The idea that canines need to eat the green stuff we call lawns is a myth. Here are four reasons why:

1. Grass isn't medicinal.

Forget all of the rumors you've heard about how grass is so medicinal for dogs. It does not contain any magic properties that will help them digest their food better or cure an ailment. You actually hold the power to prepare them a well-balanced, digestible meal and take them to the vet when their sick.

2. Treated grass has chemicals.

If you are one of those people who is competing to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, you probably use pesticides and other chemicals to treat your grass. These things might make it green, but will harm a dog. No dog should be allowed to graze on a chemically treated lawn because it can poison them causing a myriad of awful side-effects.

3. Sick dog is still a sick dog.

Some dogs like to eat grass when they feel sick to their stomach. They vomit afterward, which is why we think it's good for them to eat grass. After all, it helped empty out a bug in their stomach. Truthfully, a sick or nauseated dog can vomit without the help of grass. So, it's not really necessary for him to eat it. Also, if you think that the grass is treating the underlying reason for your dog's nausea, it could keep you from discovering the real reason he does it. If your dog is always sick after a meal, it could be for a serious reason. Instead of believing that the grass is curing it, take him to a vet and get him checked out.

4. Grass can be an "empty" food choice.

Ever try to figure out why your dog is really eating grass. Maybe it is because the diet you feed him is lacking in nutrition or isn't filling him up. So the grass is like a green salad for us - an empty food choice that makes us feel full or satisfies an unnecessary craving. Make sure he's getting the proper balance of protein, vegetables and starch.Then, if he still continues to eat grass, it's probably just a poor habit he formed because you let him.