Many dog owners have encountered such a situation: as soon as their dogs step out of the house, they rush to the green belts by the road, sniffing and gnawing on grass, leaves or even soil. This behavior not only makes owners worry about their dogs ingesting harmful substances but also may damage public greenery. To solve this puzzle, we interviewed professional veterinarians and animal behaviorists to explore the underlying reasons and scientific coping methods.

Three Main Reasons for Dogs Chewing Green Belts

First, it is a natural instinct. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and in the wild, they would eat grass to help digest food or expel indigestible substances such as hair balls from their bodies. Even domesticated dogs still retain this primitive habit. When they feel discomfort in their stomachs, they may take the initiative to find grass in green belts to eat.

Second, nutritional deficiency may be the cause. If a dog's daily diet lacks trace elements such as fiber, vitamins or minerals, it may develop pica—a desire to eat non-food items. Chewing on grass, soil or plants in green belts is a manifestation of this behavior, as the dog tries to supplement the nutrients it needs.

Third, psychological factors cannot be ignored. Some dogs may feel bored, anxious or excited when going out, and chewing on greenery becomes a way for them to relieve stress or release energy. Especially for dogs that are usually lack of exercise or companionship, this behavior is more likely to occur.

Scientific Guidance to Correct the Behavior

Veterinarians suggest that owners first take their dogs to the hospital for a physical examination to rule out health problems such as gastrointestinal discomfort or nutritional deficiencies. If it is a nutritional issue, adjusting the diet—such as adding appropriate amounts of fresh vegetables or professional nutritional supplements—can help improve the situation.

For behavioral problems, owners should strengthen daily training and companionship. When going out, bring dog-specific chews or toys to divert the dog's attention when it intends to chew on green belts. At the same time, increasing the amount of exercise can help the dog consume excess energy and reduce anxious behavior. It should be noted that owners should not severely reprimand the dog, as this may aggravate its anxiety. Patient guidance and positive incentives are the key to correcting the behavior.

In addition, owners should pay attention to the safety of the green belts. Avoid letting dogs chew on plants that may be sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, and promptly stop the dog from ingesting soil or foreign objects to prevent poisoning or intestinal obstruction.