Dog Eating Grass and Licking Everything (Explained)

1. Dietary Needs and Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes, dogs eat grass because their diet lacks certain nutrients or fiber.

Grass can provide roughage that helps digestion. If your dog’s food is low in fiber or missing key nutrients, they might instinctively munch on grass to compensate.

Similarly, licking everything could be your dog’s way of trying to taste or explore potential food sources.

It’s their way of investigating whether something is edible or nutritious.

Related: Dog eating grass and vomiting yellow bile (Here’s why)

2. Upset Stomach and Natural Remedy

Eating grass is often linked to dogs trying to soothe an upset stomach.

Many dogs instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting if they feel nauseous or have something irritating their digestive system.

If your dog is also licking everything excessively, it might indicate nausea or digestive discomfort.

Licking can be self-soothing for dogs, just like how some people pace or bite their nails when uneasy.

3. Behavioral Reasons: Boredom and Anxiety

Dogs that eat grass and lick everything excessively may be coping with boredom, stress, or anxiety.

Licking releases endorphins that calm their nerves, and grass eating might distract them from anxiety triggers.

If you recently introduced changes like moving homes, new pets, or new family members, your dog might be feeling unsettled, leading to these behaviors.

4. Pica: Eating Non-Food Items

Pica is a condition where dogs compulsively eat non-food items such as grass, dirt, or household objects.

This abnormal craving can stem from medical issues like mineral deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or psychological conditions.

Excessive licking often accompanies pica as dogs attempt to taste and consume items that are not part of their regular diet.

Related: Dog eating grass and gagging (Here’s why)

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

Sometimes, dogs eat grass and lick everything because of gastrointestinal issues such as infections, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease.

These conditions can cause nausea, discomfort, and abnormal appetite or licking behavior.

Infections or parasites may cause irritation leading dogs to eat grass to alleviate symptoms or lick surfaces that may contain appealing smells or remnants of food.

6. Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause nausea or dry mouth, prompting dogs to eat grass to soothe their stomach and lick surfaces more frequently to moisten their mouths.

If your dog recently started a new medication and you notice these behaviors, consult your vet for possible side effects or adjustments.

7. Curiosity and Natural Instinct

Dogs explore their world with their mouths. Grass eating and licking everything could simply be your dog’s way of exploring their environment and satisfying natural instincts.

Puppies and young dogs especially use their mouths to learn about the world.

However, while occasional exploration is normal, excessive licking and grass eating can point to other underlying problems.

Signs That Dog Eating Grass and Licking Everything Could Be a Problem

While occasional grass eating and licking can be harmless, watch for these signs that suggest it’s time to seek veterinary advice:

• Persistent vomiting after eating grass

• Frequent or obsessive licking of objects, surfaces, or themselves

• Signs of gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gas

• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in drinking habits

• Behavioral changes like increased anxiety, restlessness, or withdrawal

• Presence of unusual objects in stool or signs of choking

What to Do 

1. Monitor Behavior and Dietary Intake

Keep a close eye on when and how often your dog eats grass or licks things.

Note any accompanying symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

Check your dog’s diet for quality and completeness.

Switch to a nutritionally balanced food if you suspect deficiencies or abrupt dietary changes.

2. Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

Boredom can trigger these behaviors. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys to reduce anxiety-driven licking or grass eating.

3. Provide Safe Alternatives

Give your dog safe chew toys or lick mats to satisfy their licking urges in a controlled way, diverting them from inappropriate items.

4. Avoid Punishment

Punishing your dog for licking or eating grass can increase anxiety and worsen the behavior.

Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors.

5. Maintain a Clean Environment

Keep your home and yard clean of chemicals, poisons, or small objects your dog might ingest.

Related: Is eating grass bad for my dog?

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog’s grass eating and licking behavior is accompanied by:

• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea

• Signs of pain or discomfort

• Extreme lethargy or weakness

• Unusual weight loss or gain

• Persistent changes in appetite or thirst

• Signs of poisoning (drooling, shaking, difficulty breathing)

Then, seek veterinary care immediately.

Your vet may perform physical exams, stool tests, blood work, or imaging to determine underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment.

Key Takeaway

Dog eating grass and licking everything can be normal in moderation but may also signal health or behavioral issues.

From dietary deficiencies, upset stomachs, and boredom, to gastrointestinal problems or pica, the causes vary widely.

Careful observation, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and a safe environment can manage most mild cases.

However, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure your dog’s health and happiness.

By addressing the root causes and providing proper care, you can help your dog stop excessive grass eating and licking and enjoy a comfortable, joyful life.