Pet Care


Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?


Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass, then throws up afterwards? You'll probably feel relieved to know that pets eat grass because their bodies need it.

Dogs and cats have been eating grass for a long time. In fact, grass is so popular among dogs that one species, dog grass, is named after them. Dog grass is also known as couch grass and quackweed, and it grows in all but the southern-most states.

You can think of grass as an herbal medicine. It acts as an internal cleanser, expelling excess mucus, bile, and other impurities. It also cleanses the bowels and expels worms. Cereal grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which was used for relieving pain, treating infections, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia prior to the use of antibiotics.

Some pet owners grow grass specifically to give to their pets to prevent or treat diarrhea, anemia, cataracts, fleas, tumors excessive shedding, and other pet health problems. Pets that are fed grass on a regular basis are less likely to crave outdoor grass. So, if you don't feel comfortable with your pet eating the grass in your lawn, you may want to grow your own grass for them to eat.

Try growing rye or barley sprouts. These sprouts are preferred over wheat grass because some animals are sensitive to wheat.

Follow these instructions to grow rye or barley grass. Soak one cup organically grown grain in one quart water for 8 to 10 hours. Then drain the container and leave it on its side in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. A tiny white rootlet will sprout from each grain within 24 to 48 hours. Caution: If you don't see these rootlets, your grain isn't viable and should be thrown away.

Next, spread the sprouting grain on one inch of moist potting soil or top soil in a plastic garden tray. For drainage create a one inch channel around the soil.

For two days, cover the tray. Then uncover it, and water thoroughly. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist by watering when needed.

When the grass is 6-8" tall, cut it with scissors or a sharp knife. Place grasses in a ziploc bag, along with a damp paper towel. Be sure to expel air from the bag before sealing. Then store the grass in the refrigerator.

When feeding the grass to your pet, cut or mince it into tiny pieces, or place a small amount in a blender or food processor with other foods. To be sure your cat or dog will accept the grass, begin feeding just a fraction of a teaspoon. Increase the amount gradually to approximately one tablespoon per 50 lbs. of body weight.

Once your pet is given the amount of grass his body needs, you probably won't be seeing him eating the grass in your lawn. And you can feel relieved knowing that you're feeding him something that he craves and that his body needs.

Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet productsHelps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to:http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com

deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665


MORE RESOURCES:

USA Today

Pets available for adoption at movie theater
The Herald-Mail
Area families are invited to see real dogs and cats when they go to a special showing of “Dogs and Cats: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” Saturday at Regal ...
When Pets Reach Across the AisleNew York Times
'Cats and Dogs' a snoozerToronto Sun
Movie Review: Two paws down for 'Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore'Washington Post
Eye Weekly -Philadelphia Inquirer -USA Today
all 832 news articles »



Zootoo.com

Polk Accepts Animals Without Charge; Don't Abandon Pets to Wild
The Ledger
Also, turning pets "loose into the world with the hope they can survive" is not a humane option. These abandoned pets are confused and totally unable to ...
From Bare-bones Functionality to Luxury Hotel Amenities, There's a Hotel For ...Examiner.com
Reminder to Prepare Family & Pets for DisasterSan Fernando Valley Sun
Hermitage Hotel Country's Most Pet-FriendlyWSMV Nashville
State Gazette -Springfield Connection -MiamiHerald.com
all 28 news articles »


Iraqis go wild over exotic pets
Aljazeera.net
Due to the upheaval of recent years, Iraqis have not had many entertainment options within their country. This left many desperate for a means of escape ...

and more »


Columbus Dispatch

Algae may be killing pets
Columbus Dispatch
Casey, a Labrador retriever, was found swimming in Grand Lake St. Marys on July15. He died Sunday. ...
No swimming, fishing advisory for Grand Lake St. Marys continuesDayton Daily News
Ohio's hot, rainy summer turns lakes and ponds into breeding grounds for slimy ...The Republic

all 36 news articles »


New York Times

Added to the Recall List: Millions of Frozen Mice
New York Times
The illnesses have been traced to frozen mice sold over the Internet as food for exotic pets by a small Georgia company called MiceDirect. ...
Pet Food Company, Mice Direct, Voluntarily Recalls Pet Food for ReptilesHartford Courant
Frozen reptile feed recall: Salmonella could sicken humansWalletPop (blog)

all 10 news articles »


Daily Mail

Dog days in the sun: A home overseas is all very well, but be sure your pet ...
Daily Mail
Now he's cashing in as dozens of British expats are returning home, pets in tow. Most other specialist pet relocation services transport cats and dogs by ...
Pets all the rage on cell-phone appsNorthwest Cable News
Good, Clean Fun For PetsVirginia Connection Newspapers
Keeping Pets Cared ForGreat Falls Connection
Boston Globe -Twin Cities Planet -Centre View
all 11 news articles »


Residents Blaming Fisher Cats For Lost Pets
WCVB-TV
A number of Metrowest families are reporting that their family pets have been vanishing at an alarming rate, and other animals are turning up dead, ...

and more »


Monsters and Critics.com

'Real Housewives of New York City'-- Bethenny Frankel talks nursery shopping ...
Examiner.com
Specifically she discusses shopping for the nursery and pets. According to the blog for People Magazine, Frankel says: "At first Bryn's nursery was bare, ...
Bethenny Frankel's Blog: My Lessons LearnedPeople Magazine
Bethenny Frankel shares her lessons learned through having a babyHollywoodnews.com

all 15 news articles »


Pets killed in one of three early morning fires
WBTV
CHARLOTTE (WBTV) -- Three cats and a dog died in a house fire early Friday morning. Firefighters were able to rescue some of the animals in the home. ...
Firefighters Battled 3 Fires OvernightWSOC Charlotte

all 3 news articles »

Google News

home | site map | Partner Sites
© 2006