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My dog eats grass and vomits. Is this a health issue or just behavior?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dad’s dog, Némó, a 10 year old male Hungarian Vizsla always eats grass. Sometimes he vomits it up, but he is constantly sating grass and has been for the past few years. Could it be a health problem? Or just behavioural?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2019

It could be either - some dogs with gastrointestinal disease will eat grass and the occasional vomiting could be a sign of nausea. It’s also possible that this is simply a preference that Otis has. I would recommend having him examined by a vet to make sure there is no concern for a gastrointestinal problem. They might recommend checking blood work as well.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 11th, 2018
Grass is not helpful for vomiting (it's actually a myth that it is), so it's best to not let him eat it if there are any concerns about it being treated with pesticides.

This is not specific to any disease, but indicates that something is either directly upsetting his stomach, or generally making him feel nauseous. I would not worry too much if it's just a couple episodes of vomiting and he is otherwise acting normal. Usually they feel better after 24 hours. If it continues into tomorrow, or he has other signs of illness, then it's best to have him seen by a veterinarian. They can help narrow-down the cause of this and provide treatment to at-least make him feel better. For more information about vomiting, I recommend you read the article at the link below.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-vomiting-in-dogs-when-to-call-your-veterinarian/

I hope that helps and Rommel gets better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 31st, 2017
Hello. If your dog is wanting to vomit every day and is looking for grass to induce this vomiting, I would recommend getting to the root of the problem and figuring out why he is vomiting. I would suggest getting him checked by a vet as soon as you can for diagnostics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 7th, 2017
Some plants can be harmful but there is usually no correlation between an upset stomach and eating grass, some just like it. If your puppy vomits that often I would monitor the things she had access to to make sure she is not eating something she is not suppose to that can cause vomiting, such as sticks, grass or toys. You can change herndiet to a hypoallergenic form or sensitive stomach also. If that does not help then I would have her checked by a vet for further testing and medicine
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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