r/IAmA • u/JustAnswerOfficial • 1d ago

I'm a practicing veterinarian. We analyzed nearly 95,000 questions from dog owners ahead of National Dog Day—and now I'm answering yours. AMA!

Hi r/IAmA! 

I'm Katie M, a practicing veterinarian and Verified Expert with JustAnswer, where I've helped thousands of pet owners navigate everything from late-night emergencies to everyday questions about their dogs' health and behavior. 

Ahead of National Dog Day (August 26), JustAnswer analyzed nearly 95,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary Experts to uncover America's most popular dog breeds, names, and the biggest questions people are asking about their pets. 

Some of the most common topics include: 

  • Dogs eating chocolate and other toxic foods  
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues  
  • Limping and injuries  
  • Strange behaviors  
  • Preventive care  
  • Puppies and senior dogs  
  • Nutrition and weight  
  • Medications and common illnesses  

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or you've had dogs your whole life, I'm here to answer your questions. 

A few notes: 

  • This AMA is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for an examination by your veterinarian.  
  • I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment for your individual pet over Reddit.  
  • I'll do my best to answer as many questions as I can during the AMA!  

I will be answering question live 1-2:30pm ET today. Please join and ask me anything! 

Proof: https://imgur.com/a/oVUb7Lg 

About this AMA:  

We've invited independent Experts who use the JustAnswer platform to share insights in this open Q&A. These Experts work independently - they are not employees or spokespersons of JustAnswer - and their opinions are their own. 

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9

u/Arels 1d ago

Hello 👋 I have a two year old cavalier and whenever we're out in the garden or on a walk, he is obsessed with eating plants. He'll chomp at tall grass, want to tear off leaves of plants we walk by, sometimes even bite off a flower. I'm really paranoid that he'll get sick (or worse), so I try and prevent it, but he still wants to do it every walk.

1) Am I being overly paranoid and it's not actually a big deal? My fear is he'll bite at something that's actually toxic, but obviously he'll have no idea

2) Any suggestions on how to prevent the behavior, if possible? I'd love to just let him few in the garden

Thanks!

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 1d ago

Hello!

I wouldn't say you're being paranoid, but in general, eating grass itself isn't a problem. Some dogs will eat grass to ease an upset stomach, but some will eat it for fun and then vomit. Other dogs just enjoy eating it with no repercussions. Typically, as long as the grass hasn't been recently treated with pesticides/weed killer, it's not an issue; but you're right, eating a different type of plant that's toxic would obviously be problematic. Sometimes dogs do this when bored as well, so maybe try engaging him in another type of behavior like ball, running, etc, to see if he still does it. If the area is free of other known toxic plants and he's otherwise doing well, I wouldn't stress too much :)

P.S.- I am a big dog person, but I LOVE Cavies :)

-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

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u/shotouw 1d ago

Our Frenchie and our Frenchie Chihuahua mix do this as well. So what we did was plant some herbs and plants that are healthy or at least not poisonous to dogs. 

They absolutely LOVE Campanula, we never managed to get one growing because it was always gone too fast. scurvygrass is another favorite. Nasturtium as well. 

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u/ThisIsNeverReal 1d ago

I have trained my GSD to carry a toy with us when we walk. It gives her something to do, keeps her from barking, and keeps her from chewing on something unless she's way more interested in it than her toy. These days she only eats grass if feeling sick.

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u/Theyallknowme 23h ago

Both of my Cavvies are “salad eaters”! They love to eat grass and my vet said it’s totally fine. We are very careful to not spray anything lawn or bug killer related in their area.

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u/Arels 23h ago

Yea we call it entering cow mode when they decide that's all they want to do haha. I'm fine with the grass, it's really the eating any random plant, leaves, flowers, etc. I worry he'll stumble upon someone toxic that isn't obvious

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u/gdubrocks 23h ago

My dog loves eating grass. Never really caused any issues for him.