If your dog is eating grass after throwing up, it may seem strange or even concerning at first.
However, this behavior is not as uncommon as it appears. Many dogs exhibit this pattern, and while it might seem like a quirky habit, it can actually point to underlying issues worth paying attention to.
We the reasons behind a dog eating grass after throwing up, what it might mean for your pet’s health, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Here’s Why Dog Eating Grass After Throwing Up Happens
When a dog eats grass after throwing up, it may be an instinctive behavior to soothe its stomach or trigger further vomiting to expel lingering discomfort. Dogs sometimes use grass as a natural remedy—its texture can irritate the stomach lining, prompting additional vomiting, which may help clear whatever caused the initial upset.
In other cases, a dog may simply be trying to settle nausea or satisfy a dietary need, such as fiber.
While occasional grass-eating after vomiting isn’t usually alarming, frequent episodes may indicate underlying digestive issues or illness.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass After Throwing Up
1. Self-Medicating Instinct
One of the most widely accepted theories is that dogs eat grass after vomiting as a way to self-medicate.
This behavior may be a way for them to soothe a nauseous stomach or to stimulate further vomiting to rid themselves of whatever is causing discomfort.
Grass acts as a mild irritant to a dog’s stomach lining.
If your dog is experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal distress, eating grass might prompt a second round of vomiting to expel the irritant or toxin.
A dog eating grass after throwing up may be trying to self-soothe or clear its digestive system.
Related: Why is my dog eating grass and leaves? (Here’s why)
2. Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the most common reasons behind vomiting and grass eating is GI distress.
Dogs with gastritis, acid reflux, or indigestion may feel the urge to eat grass to settle their stomach.
This behavior could indicate a more persistent underlying gastrointestinal issue.
If your dog vomits regularly or often turns to grass after throwing up, it’s important to rule out chronic conditions such as:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Gastric ulcers
Pancreatitis
Food allergies or intolerances
If you notice your dog eating grass after vomiting multiple times in a week, a gastrointestinal condition could be the root cause.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Sometimes, dogs may eat grass because they’re missing certain nutrients in their diet, such as fiber or minerals.
While this is more common in dogs who regularly graze on grass, vomiting beforehand could indicate a reaction to poor-quality food, a sudden dietary change, or a lack of digestibility in their meals.
Some commercial dog foods may not provide adequate nutrition, leading your dog to seek fiber-rich grass for digestive support.
Nutritional imbalance can lead to vomiting, followed by grass eating as a way to support digestion.
4. Acid Reflux or Empty Stomach
A dog eating grass after throwing up yellow bile (a common sign of empty stomach vomiting) may be doing so in response to acid buildup.
This is particularly common in the early morning when the dog hasn’t eaten in several hours.
Stomach acid irritation can make dogs feel nauseous, and the grass may temporarily alleviate this feeling or help trigger a purge.
If your dog throws up in the morning and eats grass afterward, it could be due to an empty stomach or acid reflux.
5. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs can vomit due to stress, anxiety, or overexcitement, and eating grass afterward may be a coping mechanism or an instinctual response.
Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or those that are exposed to new environments or loud noises might display this behavior more frequently.
Stress can disrupt digestion, leading to nausea or vomiting, and grass eating might serve as a form of self-regulation.
Watch for symptoms like:
Excessive panting
Pacing
Trembling
Barking or whining
Avoiding food
If your dog throws up and then eats grass during stressful events, anxiety could be the root issue.
6. Parasites or Infections
Intestinal parasites or infections can cause gastrointestinal irritation, resulting in vomiting and a change in eating habits — including grass consumption.
Worms, Giardia, or bacterial infections may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and overall digestive imbalance.
If your dog is eating grass after throwing up and also has soft stools or diarrhea, it’s worth discussing with your vet.
When vomiting is combined with grass eating and signs of diarrhea or weight loss, a parasitic infection might be to blame.
Related: Dog eating grass and dirt (Here’s why)
7. Toxin Ingestion
If your dog vomited due to eating something toxic — like human medication, spoiled food, or household chemicals — it might instinctively eat grass to trigger further vomiting or as a response to feeling unwell.
In such cases, grass eating can be a red flag, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like:
Lethargy
Excessive drooling
Seizures
Uncoordinated movements
Suspected poisoning should always be treated as an emergency. Contact your vet immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Grass After Vomiting
If your dog has only vomited once and eats grass afterward but otherwise appears normal, you can monitor them at home.
However, repeated vomiting or signs of illness should prompt a vet visit.
Monitor for symptoms like:
Repeated vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Dry mouth or dehydration
Abdominal bloating
Steps to take at home:
Withhold food for 8–12 hours to let your dog’s stomach settle (unless advised otherwise by your vet)
Offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration
Gradually reintroduce a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice)
Avoid letting your dog graze freely until symptoms resolve
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary care if:
Your dog vomits multiple times in a day
Vomiting is accompanied by lethargy or collapse
Grass eating becomes obsessive
Vomit contains blood or unusual substances
Your dog refuses food or water for more than 24 hours
Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics such as blood work, a fecal exam, X-rays, or an ultrasound to determine the underlying issue.
Treatment could include medication for nausea, deworming, dietary changes, or more specific therapies depending on the diagnosis.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is eating grass after throwing up, it might be a natural response to nausea, a way to purge their system, or a symptom of an underlying health issue.
Occasional instances are usually not a cause for concern, but repeated vomiting and grass eating should not be ignored.
Understanding the causes — whether it’s gastrointestinal upset, stress, poor diet, parasites, or toxins — is essential for helping your dog feel better. Monitor your dog closely and consult a vet if symptoms persist.
By addressing the root cause and supporting your dog with proper nutrition, a stress-free environment, and timely medical care, you can help ensure their long-term health and well-being.