Older Pup Eating Grass

[elkhoundperson]

Mikey, our 11 yr old Elkhound, eats grass in the morning. If we give him a treat prior to going outside in the morning, he usually doesn't take to the grass. I know there are differing opinions on why dogs eat grass, but I can say for certain that Mikey does it to make himself throw up. If he doesn't eat grass, he'll still throw up, just later and probably in the house.

Anyway, it hasn't been too bad lately, unless he takes to the lawn like a sheep, but my concern is this: when he eats grass and does NOT throw up, he gets nasty, slimy, bloody stool and the squirts (sorry if I'm too graphic). It gets better by the next outing- usually about 4-5 hours-, but I'm still concerned. Any ideas?

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

It really sounds like your boy needs a trip to the vets. Yes, dogs eat grass for all sorts of reasons but it typically does not bring on runny and bloody stool and your big guy shouldn't be vomiting that often either.

The best advice I can give you is to have the vet look him over, do some bloodwork and see what they have to say. Best of luck and please let us know what you find out.

[calgal]

Some eat grass because it is just programmed in them from their wild ancesters who ate grass for reasons. Then some eat grass because they have an upset stomach. Since your guy is vomiting whether he eats it or not should put a red flag up. I'd take him to the Vet. and be sure to take a stool sample and urine if possible.

[Novel]

My dogs eat grass all the time, daily, but it never makes them vomit.

If your guy is vomiting that often, he needs to see the vet. Take in a sample of the vomit and a sample of his stools. My best guess is that there are some problems with his digestive tract, and he's actually eating the grass to make himself feel better.

[Shadowkins]

Yup! I'd be at the vet's before too long. I think some grass eating may be fine but if he eats enough to make him throw up something is definitely wrong.jmo
Who knows maybe he ate something that is bothering or stuck and is feeling uncomfortable, so he eats tons of grass in the hopes of bringing it up...I've seen that happen to my girlfriends golden retriever...she only found out after the vet did an x-ray.Better safe than sorry!