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Have you ever wondered why your beloved pooch indulges in a grass feast every now and then? It’s a behavior that has puzzled dog owners for ages. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating topic of why dogs eat grass and explore the various theories behind this peculiar behavior.

The Myth of Vomiting Inducement: One prevailing theory suggests that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting when they’re feeling unwell or to alleviate digestive discomfort. However, scientific evidence to support this theory is scarce. While it’s true that grass consumption can occasionally lead to vomiting, it only affects around 25% of dogs, casting doubt on this explanation.

Dogs Simply Like Grass: The simplest and most widely accepted explanation is that dogs eat grass simply because they enjoy it. Dogs are notorious for their indiscriminate eating habits, and their wild counterparts, such as wolves and coyotes, also dabble in plant consumption. Unlike strict carnivores like cats, dogs are omnivorous by nature, and their inclination towards eating grass might be a reflection of their ancestral behavior.

Exploring Dietary Variety: Another perspective suggests that grass eating allows domesticated dogs to diversify their diet. In the wild, canines often hunt herbivores and consume their stomach contents. By consuming grass, dogs may be instinctively seeking a more varied nutrient profile. Certain types of grass can provide minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, which could explain why some dogs are selective about the grass they consume.

Nutritional Deficiency and Fiber Intake: If your dog frequently indulges in grass eating, it’s possible they have a nutritional deficiency. Dogs lack the enzymes necessary to break down cellulose, the primary energy source in grass. Thus, they might instinctively graze on grass to obtain fiber, which aids digestion. However, it’s important to note that excessive grass consumption should be monitored, and if concerns about your dog’s nutrition or digestion arise, consulting a veterinarian is advisable.

Cautionary Considerations: While grass eating is generally harmless, it’s crucial to ensure the grass hasn’t been treated with harmful herbicides or pesticides. These chemicals can pose a risk to your dog’s health. Additionally, be grateful that your dog chooses grass over more unsavory items like feces, as that is another peculiar canine behavior altogether.

Conclusion: The mystery behind why dogs eat grass continues to intrigue dog owners around the world. While no definitive answer exists, it is clear that dogs’ affinity for grass is rooted in their natural instincts and their omnivorous nature. As long as the grass is safe for consumption, occasional grazing should not raise significant concerns. Remember, your veterinarian is always the best resource for advice on your dog’s diet and overall well-being.

It’s crucial to make sure your beloved pet keeps cool and comfortable when the summer temperatures climb. It is essential to take the required measures to keep dogs safe during the warmer months because they are prone to heat stroke and other heat-related ailments. This post will offer some advice on how to keep your dog cool and in good condition this summer.
Providing fresh, clean water is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep your dog cool. Dogs must stay hydrated, particularly during the summer when dehydration is more prone to occur. No matter if your dog is indoors or outside, make sure they always have access to water. In order to keep their water bowl cool, you can also put ice cubes to it.

It’s crucial to give your dog a cool spot to relax in addition to water. This could be a cool area inside or a shaded area outside. Try to exercise your dog outside during the cooler hours of the day, such as early in the morning or late in the day. The danger of heat stroke increases if you exercise your dog during the hottest hours of the day.

Providing Shade

It’s crucial to give your dog plenty of shade during the summer to keep them cool and avoid heatstroke. Here are some ideas for making your beloved friend’s haven shaded:

Install a canopy or umbrella to give shade over your dog’s preferred outdoor location.
Create a naturally shaded area in your yard by planting trees or erecting a trellis.
Use a dog house or any other shady, well-ventilated shelter.
To keep your dog cool, use a cooling mat or cushion in the shady location.

You must make sure that your dog has access to a cool, well-ventilated area of shade. This will lessen the likelihood that your pet may feel uncomfortable due to an overly humid environment. Keep an eye on your dog and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.

Bring a portable canopy or umbrella to provide shade if you’re taking your dog for a walk or to the park. To keep your dog cool while they are out in the sun, you can also use a cooling vest or bandana.
Hydration

Make sure your dog is drinking enough water throughout the sweltering summer months. Dogs require a lot of water to be hydrated and cool, just like humans do. Dogs who don’t drink enough water may experience major health problems as a result of dehydration.

Giving your dog a lot of access to fresh, clean water throughout the day is one of the greatest methods to keep them hydrated. Make sure that the water in your dog’s bowl is always chilled, and you might want to add some ice cubes to the bowl to keep the water cool and energizing.

offering your dog foods that are high in water will also assist keep them hydrated in addition to offering them water. Great alternatives include fruits and vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini as well as berries and watermelon. Just be careful not to feed your dog any fruits or veggies like grapes or onions that are poisonous to dogs.

Finally, remember to pack enough of water for your dog to drink if you’re going for a walk or partaking in any other outdoor activities. To make it simple to give your dog water on the road, think about investing in a portable water bottle or collapsible bowl.

Grooming and Coat Care

Maintaining a clean, well-groomed coat on your dog can also aid in keeping them cool during the summer. Your dog may find it more difficult to control their body temperature if they have a matted or dirty coat that traps heat. This can be avoided with regular brushing, washing, and fur clipping.

Consider giving your long-haired pet a summer cut to keep them cool if you have one. Just be sure to leave enough fur to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. To protect any exposed skin, you can also use a sunscreen designed especially for dogs.

Signs of Heatstroke

Your dog may still be susceptible to heatstroke in the summer despite your best efforts. Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke will help you react immediately if your dog is in danger. The following are a few canine heatstroke symptoms:

a lot of panting
Drooling
a quick heartbeat
Vomiting
Weakness or collapse due to diarrhea

If your dog displays any of these signs, move him or her as quickly as you can to a cool, shaded area and give him or her some water. You can also use a wet cloth or ice cold water to help reduce their body temperature. If their symptoms do not go gone quickly, speak with a veterinarian straight soon.

In conclusion, it’s critical to keep your dog cool during the summer in order to protect their health and welfare. It’s critical to provide enough water, shade, and a cool place to relax in order to greatly lower the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related disorders. By following these expert tips and recommendations, you can make sure that your furry friend is safe and content over the summer.

A lot of talk in the media this week of dog charity dogs trust calling on employers to allow dog/ pups to be allowed to come to work with their owners.

Do you think this would be feasible in your workplace?

Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications explained that many people became dog owners during the pandemic and there are benefits to having a pup in the office.

She said: “So many people became dog owners during the pandemic, and we feel that the more workplaces that welcome dogs, the more dogs will remain in their homes, and we can hopefully avoid another wave of surrender requests”

The Health Benefits

It is being widely recognised now that there are many benefits to having a dog in the workplace with their owners. Studies have shown that it can increase productivity as well as the health benefits achievable for owners such as reduced cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Its recognised that not all workplaces may be suitable for hosting of pets during the workday and if this is the case then owners should consider other measures like having a neighbour walk your dog or agreeing to come home for lunch.

But what when my workplace isnt suitable?

If inside your home is not a safe or suitable place to keep your pet then we can advise on a range of suitable options with everything from dog runs and enclosures to insulated Kingspan kennels which will keep them warm during the Irish winter when your not a around. A decent size dog run will keep your pet very safe from theft while also leaving enough room for them to feel safe.

Even if you’re on a tight budget we can supply you with individual dog run panels which will enable you to build your own dog run to the size you need.

Have a look at our shop as a good starting point to what you might need

www.slaneyside.com/shop

Its time to plan ahead

Speak to your employer about what they are comfortable with and plan ahead to make sure you have made the right choices for your pet.

So followers of the Co Laois native have recently been asking how Noel Fitzpatrick’s beloved dog Kiera had been after a knocking down incident outside his U.K based practice in Surrey and today he broke the sad news.

The 53-year-old said: “It is with profound sadness I share the news that Keira, my beloved companion of nearly 14 years, has passed away.

“My heart is truly broken. She was my best friend in the whole wide world.

“My friend Amy and her son Kyle are broken-hearted too since they have shared her guardianship with me all this time.

“We were so very blessed and lucky to have had her in our lives, lighting the way with her magnificent unconditional love.”

It brings it all home about how much we love our pets and how heartbreaking it is to see them in pain or indeed how hard it is when they eventually pass.

We wish Noel all the best and hope to see him on our screens in the not too distant future.

So, your sitting there thinking about booking a holiday after a very long 2 years of being stuck indoors due to Covid-19.

I can completely relate to that after being in that exact same position for quite some time myself. The one thing however that crops up time and time again is wether or not you can bring your pet with you overseas. This question is now raised more than ever after so many families have acquired pets during the lockdown.

Well, first of all, you have to get a European pet passport. This is done through your vet and it documents your pet’s microchip details and, crucially, the fact that they have had a rabies vaccination — a jab that lasts for three years.

For now the best thing to do is to get an appointment with your Vet and get things moving.

Following this you will need to check with your airline or other carrier to see if they will allow pets to travel onboard. Ryanair currently only allow guide or assistance dogs up to a maximum of 4 per flight so make sure to book in advance. Stenaline on the other hand allow the travel of dogs and other pets inside owners car (caution needed!) and also in the onboard kennels.

Taking your pet abroad with proper planning can be a rewarding experience provided you take the necessary steps outlined but please check in advance with your carrier as to what they permit as the rules can change quite frequently.

We reported some months ago on our social channels about a very unique but in your face campaign being run in the counties of Galway and Roscommon.

Councils there have voted unanimously to stencil large areas of footpath with bright yellow messages using the slogan..’clean it up you dirty pup’. At the time of reporting some of our social media followers felt that it might of been a step too far.

Today however the Irish independent reports that Roscommon has all but ended dog litter fowling and the current programme in Galway has resulted in a 50% decrease in dog poop.

Its all part of the “Green Dog Walkers Programme” with Leitrim County Council also set to trial a Dog Foul DNA testing programme.

The programme in Galway has so far cost €20,000 but it is hoped the shift in public opinion will lead to it becoming socially unacceptable to leave dog poop on public walkways and parks etc.

Maybe its a great idea after all!

Dog runs are designed to provide a safe place for your favourite canine. The right dog enclosure for your breed will give your pet the reduced level of anxiety that they really need. If your pet begins to display destructive behaviour such as chewing at the dog run panels then it may be time to have a look at the amount of time they are spending each day inside your run/kennel.

Using a PAC dog control system is also another great way of giving your pet extra freedom to roam your property.

Insulated dog runs are also another great way of introducing comfort into your dogs life as they are cool in summer and warm in winter. We stock a range of dog runs and kennels from Thermal to Timber and Plastic and a full range of Kingspan Insulated dog boxes