Pets Information

can't find what you are looking for? search the site for articles here!
Google
 
Web www.cuddlycats.net

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:

Don't dump your pet when times are tough
USA Today - 12 hours ago
As the economy has tanked, most shelters are reporting not only a spike in what they call "owner surrenders," pets given up by the owners (often because of ...
My Pet World: Dog left alone too long could use new home if ... Pioneer Press
Pets | Fifi can help you find your way to fitter future Kansas City Star
Marley & Me Should Be Required Viewing For Potential Pet Owners Blogcritics.org
News Chief - PR Web (press release)
all 31 news articles


Outgoing mayor pardons incoming mayor's pet pig
Los Angeles Times, CA - 12 hours ago
The Nevada Appeal explains: The issue of candidates' pets came up in June before the primary election when then-candidate-for-mayor Pete Hansell objected to ...
Outgoing mayor pardons pet pig Nevada Appeal
all 5 news articles


South Carolina Now

Berks Humane Society to distribute pet food to needy owners
Reading Eagle, PA - 2 hours ago
By Mike Urban The Humane Society of Berks County Inc. is offering a new service to help pet owners who may be faced with surrendering a pet to an animal ...
Requests flood new free pet clinic Examiner.com
Humane Society to Distribute Free Food for Pets WFMZ-TV Online
Oh the Places You Can Go! Seattle Post Intelligencer
Lancaster Newspapers - Moultrie Observer
all 28 news articles


Winter Can Pose Hidden Dangers For Pets
Boston Channel.com,  USA - 9 hours ago
Winter poses many challenges for local pet owners, including dangers that can’t be seen under the snow. NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that's a ...
Woman issues warning after her dog injured at park Daily News Tribune
all 11 news articles


WBOY-TV

Residents Reunited with Pets
WBOY-TV, WV - 9 hours ago
As residents return, many are also being reunited with their pets. Pet Helpers Inc is an organization that only started about three months ago. ...
More Pets Return to Fairmont Arbors Home State Journal
all 4 news articles


SoCal clinic helps pets bounce back from injury
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jan 5, 2009
Many of us have been there, and many of our pets have been there too. Luckily for Southern California dogs and cats (and even rabbits), a Santa Monica ...
Fido? He's in rehab -- for his knee (or is it his elbow?) Newsday
all 2 news articles


Overland Park Family Fears Coyote Killed Pet
KCTV5 News, MO - 9 hours ago
They agree that for the time being, the best way to deal with them is to hire a professional trapper, keep a close watch on small pets and try not to leave ...
First coyote attack in Johnson County since April reported Kansas City Star
all 3 news articles


Locals Become Angels For Pets
Tampa Tribune, FL - 4 hours ago
And this year, those who read about the Animal Angel Tree at the shelter stepped up and delivered for hundreds of abandoned, neglected and lost pets. ...


Meredith O'Brien: O’Briens and Obamas Ready for New Family Pet
The Patriot Ledger, MA - 12 hours ago
When my family pets had died when I was a kid, I remembered the deaths as being huge, traumatic events filled with crying and days of melancholy. ...


Burglars break into animal shelter
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - 1 hour ago
Nonprofit Helen Woodward Animal Center shelters lost and unwanted pets, provides education, pet therapy programs and free meals for the pets of elderly ...
Return to Sender: Holiday Pet Gifts Mom Logic
Photos: Best in Throw: Iams Home 4 the Holidays Football ... PR Newswire (press release)
all 8 news articles

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006