Why Does My Dog Lick Wet Grass?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Why Does My Dog Lick Wet Grass?“.

Grass licking is likely enjoyed by dogs for many reasons. Boredom anxiety problems stress or just plain upset may be the reason; this may seem strange but its true. 

A dog may lick wet grass when ill; that is another possibility. Almost all dogs enjoy being outside; they love running around and rolling in the grass. 

Its just that they love the outdoors and enjoy wide-open spaces. It is believed that some types of dogs and wolves prefer to lick wet grass more than others. 

Dogs who are usually happy-go-lucky may exhibit this behavior instinctively or psychologically. 

Is it something I should worry about or stop?

If your dog licks wet grass most of the time you should not be concerned.

When he isnot doing what he normally does. 

Understand that everything has a purpose; some dogs may eat grass to relieve stomach aches. 

Chewing on grass may be harmless. 

In addition to toxic house plants you should be concerned if your dogs nibble on them as well. 

There are a few plants you may find in your garden and symptoms too.

• Shallots and onions: Cause drooling nausea mouth irritation pain impact the respiratory system impacts mobility and causes loss of color and gums.

• Too much saliva affects the gastrointestinal system causes dizziness loss of appetite change in behavior weakness and fatigue. 

• Amaryllis: excessive saliva and vomiting can affect the respiratory system cause depression and cause abnormal discomfort.

• Clematis: excessive salivation excessive bowel movements and vomiting.

• Begonia: An irritant of the mouth causing intense pain and burning of the tongue mouth and lips vomiting and drooling. 

• Buttercup: Blisters on the mouth tumors loss of energy seizure paralysis (in rare cases) vomiting diarrhea and drooling.

Your dog can be potentially harmed by many other garden plants as well. 

In addition be aware of your dogs habit of regularly licking wet grass on a daily basis. 

Remember; dogs can also ingest parasites or fecal matter which can negatively affect their health.

As we move on from plants like grass that your dog may be licking I will explain in the next section how licking wet grass may also be dangerous to dogs. 

When might licking grass be dangerous?

If the grass has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers licking it can become dangerous for dogs.

Pesticides are extremely poisonous chemicals. 

If consumed in large quantities it can cause rashes vomiting diarrhea eye irritation and even affect the respiratory system. 

You should read the label on the back of the bottle if your dog is licking grass on your (treated) lawn. 

The majority of fertilizers recommend that pets stay away from the grass for 48 hours following treatment…

Why is my Dog Licking Wet Grass? What are the Reasons?

The reason your dog keeps licking wet grass could be that he isnot getting the nutrients he needs. 

Adding organic food to your dogs diet is a quick fix. 

However if your dog continues to lick wet grass it could indicate something is wrong. It could be the result of other health-related factors if your dog is experiencing bowel discomfort. Various health conditions can affect your dogs such as gastric reflux disease pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (which can lead to dehydration). 

If your dog starts to show symptoms after eating or licking grass it may be time to see the vet. 

Constipation diarrhea and diminished energy are signs to watch for.

It may not be the grass at all that is the cause of dogs licking wet grass.

It is a red herring to focus on the grass.

Perhaps they love the taste of water so much that they lick the grass. 

Dogs lick grass because they like the taste of water

What about the taste of water?

Water tastes good to everyone right? The taste of water does not exist…

Evidently it does and a dogs taste buds are designed to savor the many flavors of water…

There are far fewer taste buds in dogs than humans- only about 20% as many as we have.

Humans do not have the same taste buds as dogs and cats.

They are positioned on the tips of their tongues believed to be placed in that position to enhance the taste of water.

Isnot that fascinating?

In summary dogs spend much of their time licking- and licking wet grass is only one of many strange licking behaviors that dogs “indulge” in.

I will go into some of the other strange things observed to have been licked by dogs in the next section.

What other (strange) wet things do dogs lick?

For a variety of reasons dogs lick anything and everything; its just in their nature.  Since they are thirsty it might just be that they like licking wet things.

Another strange wet thing dogs like to lick is the underside of the toilet sink water and tube water; they will also lick the rain and water off the windows. Your dog may even lick your wet legs after you showered; he might wonder why you’re so soaked. If 

Your cup of water may be consumed by him if you leave it out. It seems strange but dogs show their appreciation by licking things or they might just be thirsty. 

Why do dogs eat grass? Why Does My Dog Lick Wet Grass?

It is impossible to explain why dogs eat grass in a single way. There are many theories that could apply. However there are a few possibilities:

1. Some dogs eat grass to relieve nausea or they might eat it to help them defecate. It could also be their way of communicating with you.
2. Dogs eat grass to obtain nutrients and expel parasites from their bodies as the grass is a good source of fiber. This process is comparable to detoxifying the body.
3. Nasal congestion may be relieved by a dog eating grass. 
4. The reason your dog is restless and eating grass excessively may be that he has inflammatory issues. 

There is a possibility that your dog is hungry. 

Some dogs may have an obsessive-compulsive disorder where a small habit of eating grass turns into a constant urge to eat grass. 

If you notice that it is becoming a habit bring your dog to the veterinarian.

Dogs eat grass instinctively. 

Despite the fact that hunting and salvaging food were the four-legged canines natural behaviors eating grass may have been another way to get an adequate amount of food and survive. 

The grass-eating dog might have been deceiving other predators by not letting them smell its scent. 

Some dogs do not respond well to grass because their bodies lack the enzymes to break down grass. 

As a result if the dog eats too much grass it may cause intestinal blockage.

Some dogs however do not vomit when eating grass and even small amounts of grass are fine.  If you notice this habit in your dog do not let it drive you crazy. 

Try substituting a healthy refreshing snack for grass instead. 

Having explored the reasons dogs might eat grass the next question logically arises: Can dogs digest grass?

You might be surprised by the answer. 

Can dogs digest grass?

Due to their stomachs being designed to digest grass most dogs cannot digest grass very well. 

Due to grass’ high content of cellulose which is exceedingly difficult to digest animals that mainly consume grass have evolved digestive systems that can do so. 

Horses or cows come to mind.

Graminivores are animals that eat grass.

I have never used this label before. 

Omnivores dogs have evolved to digest both meat and plant material.

Because grass contains more cellulose than most other plants and vegetables the stomach of a dog would not be able to digest it at all.

My personal experience confirms this.

Earlier today one of my dogs Sylvie woke me up at 3.30 am because they werenot feeling well. 

As if it were going out of style they rushed outside and started chewing grass.

Despite my repeated requests to come in they ignored me for ten minutes.

At 5 am (yes I was still awake) Sylvie vomited up a big ball of grass which wasnot too surprising.

During our walk around ten this morning Sylvie pooped out a long “sausage” of grass that had not been digested.

If you want to read more about dogs’ daily tips read here: Dog Daily Tips and Tricks.

Why Does My Dog Lick Wet Grass? (Watch Video)