Have had mom (1 1/2 yrs) and male pup (10 weeks) for about 4 weeks now. Everytime they go outside they tear the grass up and eat the roots at the dirt level. I thought maybe it was because they were raised with a breeder and didnt have much grass time, but now I'm getting concerned that they are missing a supplement. Of course, cute as pie pup might just be doing it cuz mom is.
They're going back to the vet for a check up soon, but thought someone out there could satisfy my concern, curiosity.
Keep in mind they are eating the "root" part – right above the dirt??????
Dogs who come from breeder or puppy mills often have odd behaviors. My dogs eat grass from time to time too. If they are going it ALL the time you might want to call the vet and explain it. While dogs who run wild eat grass and who knows what else all the time, it probably is not hurting them but it would be best if you could get them to stop as you never know what other animal has been in your yard. Also make sure they are up to date on vaccinations in case something with parvo or something else would come in your yard. You sound like a pet owner who cares about their pets and takes them to the vet so I am sure they are up to date.
Tags: Boston Terrier, boston terriers
Dogs who come from breeder or puppy mills often have odd behaviors. My dogs eat grass from time to time too. If they are going it ALL the time you might want to call the vet and explain it. While dogs who run wild eat grass and who knows what else all the time, it probably is not hurting them but it would be best if you could get them to stop as you never know what other animal has been in your yard. Also make sure they are up to date on vaccinations in case something with parvo or something else would come in your yard. You sound like a pet owner who cares about their pets and takes them to the vet so I am sure they are up to date.
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First, are you sure they are eating the actual grass? Mine did this and I finally figured out that what they are eating is NOT grass. It's deer poop. That's apparently a delicacy!
I seriously doubt that eating the grass would harm them in any way, although eating poop from other animals can give them an assortment of parasites and diseases. Look closely at the area where they are doing this and see if there is any poop from deer, squirrels, rabbits, etc.. If so, that may be what they are after and is a greater cause of concern than if it's the grass they are eating.
In either case, behavioural modification is what will stop them. You keep them on lead, correct them verbal and by a snap of the lead, then when they stop reward them with a treat. It will take a LONG time to change this behaviour to the point that you can let them off lead, but that's what will stop them.
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