We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 120-pound German Shepherd named Lupo.
My mom and dad say I love everyone!!!! That is true. I am also an over-sized lap dog, I love to play ball non-stop, and love to go swimming. I am working on my reactivity when seeing other K9’s and doing much better.
After my swim, Mom says there is nothing nicer than the smell of a wet German Shepherd, and I could not agree more. HEE! HEE!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
Eating grass is a natural and normal dog behaviour. Wild dogs, wolves, and coyotes do the same. Some dogs just love to bite and chew grass, it satisfies the need to chew.
Please ensure your grass is not sprayed with pesticides or chemicals, this can be hazardous to your canine’s health if ingested.
Sometimes your dog may have digestive upset and my want to eat grass to get rid of the toxins.
However, dogs can not digest grass and will often throw it back up. Some dogs will eat grass out of boredom, and this can simply be attention seeking behaviour. If it is more behavioural your vet may recommend switching their food to a high-fibre dog food product to help curb this behaviour.
If you find your dog eating grass obsessively, most veterinarians will check for signs of roundworm infection, and that will need to be treated.
Dogs need chlorophyll, which is a green pigment found in plants and algae. When your dog eats chlorophyll, it will help replenish the red blood cells. Chlorophyll will help heal wounds, fight infection, protect cells from cancer, break down stones in the bladder, and strengthen the immune system. Unfortunately, grass isn’t the best source of chlorophyll because it can not be digested by your canine.
Your dog can not choose their green veggies, but you can help by giving your dog a healthy does of chlorophyll.
Minced or steamed vegetables added to their dog food would be ideal. We recommend steamed broccoli, kale, spinach, and green beans.