Grass is a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help your dog stay healthy. However, some types of grass can be toxic or even deadly for your pet. And other types are fine for them as long as they don’t have allergies or digestive problems that could cause trouble after ingesting the plant material.
Before you let your dog nibble on some blades of green, take a look at this list of common garden plants that are both safe and unsafe for dogs:
Safe:
Grass seed. Grass seed is just what it sounds like — the tiny, hard seeds that grow into grass. Dogs can eat these seeds with no problems.
Grass clippings. Your lawn is an excellent place for your dog to get some good exercise. However, if you’re worried about him eating grass clippings or plants growing in the lawn, don’t be — they’re completely harmless to dogs.
Unsafe:
Lawn mower clippings. The same goes for clippings from a mower — they may not look like much, but they can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Many lawn care products contain fertilizers and herbicides that could make your pup sick if he eats them accidentally.
Dog-Friendly Grass Seed
If you’re looking for a grass seed that’s safe for dogs to play on and won’t cause any harm to their health, there are a few options available.
Fescue Or Perennial Ryegrass
One popular choice is to use a grass seed mix that contains fescue or perennial ryegrass. These grasses are known for being durable and resistant to heavy foot traffic, which is ideal for dogs that love to run and play in the yard. Additionally, they are non-toxic to dogs and are not likely to cause any allergic reactions.
Dog-Friendly Or Pet Safe
Another option is looking for grass seeds labeled “dog-friendly Grass Seed” or “pet-safe.” These grass seeds are often formulated to be more resilient to damage from pet urine, which can be a common issue for dog owners. They may also contain varieties of grass that are less likely to cause allergies or other health issues in pets.
When selecting a dog-friendly grass seed, it’s important to consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, and sun exposure to ensure the grass will thrive in your location. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult a landscaping professional or your veterinarian for advice on choosing the best grass seed.
How Long To Keep Dog Off Grass After Seeding?
Keeping your dog off the grass after seeding is important to give the new grass time to germinate and establish strong roots. The amount of time you should keep your dog off the grass will depend on various factors, such as the type of grass seed you use, the climate, and the amount of rainfall and sunlight the grass receives.
As a general rule of thumb, you are keeping your dog off the grass for at least 2-4 weeks after seeding is best. During this time, the grass should have enough time to sprout and grow to a height of 3-4 inches. Once the grass has reached this height, it’s safe to start gradually introducing your dog back onto the lawn.
When reintroducing your dog to the grass, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid damaging the new growth. Start by allowing your dog to spend short periods on the lawn, gradually increasing the time over several days or weeks.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s safety after seeding, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian or landscape professional for specific advice.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Grass Seeds?
If your dog eats grass seed, it can cause mild stomach upset. If the amount of grass seed is large, your dog may vomit or have diarrhea. If your dog has eaten a lot of grass seed, he may also have trouble breathing and become weak. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Grass seeds are not poisonous to dogs but can cause problems if your dog eats too many. Grass seeds can get caught in the digestive tract or lodge in the esophagus or stomach. The sharp edges of the grass seeds can also scratch and irritate the lining of the digestive tract and esophagus.
If your dog does eat a lot of grass seed, you should monitor him closely for several days after he eats it. If his symptoms do not improve on their own within 24 hours or if he becomes worse, contact your vet right away.
Keep Your Dog Safe And Healthy
Yes, dogs can eat grass seeds but not all. Dogs may eat grass seeds for various reasons, such as boredom, hunger, or curiosity. While eating grass seed in small amounts may not harm dogs, it can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from eating grass seed, Provide your dog with plenty of exercises, a balanced diet, fencing grass areas, leash your dog distract them with a toy or treat. All these efforts will help keep your dog away from grass and grass seeds.