How to Get Your Dog to Stop Eating Grass: Supervise, Change Diet, Distract, Exercise & Bitter Spray

Introduction

If your pup is prone to grazing on the lawn, you’re probably wondering why they do it and how to get them to stop. Eating grass is a behavior that many dog owners see in their pets, but it’s not always clear what’s behind it. Fortunately, there are a few solutions that may help prevent your pup from snacking on the lawn.

Supervise Outdoor Time

One of the most effective ways to keep your pup from munching on the lawn is to supervise them when they’re outdoors. According to Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian and owner of Montclair Veterinary Hospital, “It’s important to keep an eye on your pet when they’re outside, so you can intervene if they start to eat grass.” Being aware of your pup’s outdoor habits can help you identify any triggers or patterns that might prompt them to start eating grass, and intervene before it becomes a habit.

Reasons For Intervening

There are several potential reasons why your pup might be drawn to grass. In some cases, it could be due to a nutrient deficiency or an upset stomach. According to veterinary nutritionist Dr. Sarah Dodd, “Some dogs may eat grass to supplement their diets if they are deficient in certain nutrients. Others may be trying to make themselves vomit if they have an upset stomach.” It’s also possible that your pup is simply bored and looking for something fun to do.

Tips For Supervision

When it comes to supervising your pup’s outdoor time, it’s important to set boundaries and stick to them. If you notice your pup starting to eat the grass, use a firm “no” and redirect their attention to something else. You can also provide them with toys or treats to distract them from the grass. Additionally, make sure to give your pup plenty of positive reinforcement when they follow your commands.

Change Their Diet

In some cases, your pup’s grass-eating habit might be due to a dietary deficiency. If this is the case, then changing their diet can help keep them from snacking on the lawn. Consider switching to a high-quality, nutrient-rich food that contains all of the vitamins and minerals that your pup needs to stay healthy.

Nutrient-Rich Options

When selecting a new food for your pup, look for one that’s fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, steer clear of foods that contain fillers or artificial additives. Some good options include fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, and whole grains. You can also add supplements to their diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics.

Benefits Of A Balanced Diet

A balanced diet can help ensure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. This can help reduce their risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to grass-eating behavior. Additionally, a balanced diet can help boost their immune system and give them more energy, which can make them less likely to seek out grass as a source of entertainment.

Distract Them

If your pup is eating grass out of boredom, then providing them with plenty of stimulation can help keep them from munching on the lawn. Toys, treats, and other distractions can help keep your pup occupied and reduce their desire to snack on the grass.

Toys And Treats

Providing your pup with interactive toys and tasty treats can help keep them entertained while they’re outdoors. Some good options include chew toys, puzzle toys, treat balls, and frozen Kongs. Additionally, you can hide treats around the yard for them to find, or take them for a walk or play a game of fetch.

Positive Reinforcement

Remember to reward your pup with lots of praise and affection when they follow your commands. This will help reinforce good behaviors and discourage them from engaging in activities like eating grass. Additionally, if your pup is particularly fond of treats, you can use them as a reward for good behavior.

Exercise More

Regular exercise is another great way to keep your pup from eating grass. Not only does it provide them with physical and mental stimulation, but it can also help release excess energy and reduce their desire to graze on the lawn.

Benefits Of Physical Activity

According to veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates, “Physical activity is important for keeping dogs mentally and physically healthy, and it can also help reduce their urge to eat grass.” Regular exercise can help improve your pup’s overall health by strengthening their muscles, improving their coordination, and boosting their cardiovascular health.

Ideas For Increasing Exercise

There are plenty of ways to increase your pup’s level of physical activity. Take them for regular walks, runs, or hikes, or consider enrolling them in an agility class or a canine fitness program. Additionally, you can play games of fetch or tug-of-war with them in the backyard, or take them to the park or beach for some off-leash playtime.

Bitter Spray

If your pup is still having trouble resisting the urge to eat grass, then you can try using a bitter spray. These sprays contain bitter-tasting ingredients that make grass unappealing to your pup, discouraging them from eating it.

Ingredients And Application

Bitter sprays usually contain ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid, which give the grass a bitter taste. To apply the spray, simply spritz it onto the areas of the lawn where your pup likes to eat. Make sure to avoid spraying it directly onto your pup.

Pros And Cons

Bitter sprays can be an effective way to deter your pup from eating grass, however, they may not work for all dogs. Additionally, these sprays can be toxic to other animals, so you should keep them away from cats and other small animals.

Conclusion

Eating grass can be a frustrating problem for many dog owners, but fortunately, there are a few ways to help prevent it. Supervising your pup’s outdoor time, changing their diet, providing them with plenty of distractions, and increasing their level of exercise can all help reduce their desire to snack on the lawn. Additionally, bitter sprays can be used to make grass unappealing to your pup. With some patience and perseverance, you can help get your pup to stop eating grass.