Grass, yes or no?

[bizarreanimals]

When a dog tries to eat common garden grass, should we stop him? Some say that the dog does it to clean its stomach... I see some dog owners, however, who as soon as they see their puppy "grazing" on the grass, run towards them to make them stop and say that it is not good for their health. Do you know more? 

[Catherine]

As far as I know eating grass is normal for dogs and cats. It actually serves a purpose. Cats eat grass and then throw up hair that collects in their stomachs. I assume it is a similar effect for dogs.

The only reason there would be a problem, is if the grass itself is not safe to eat. 
Some places have heavy pesticide use and the grass might be contaminated with chemicals. In an area with heavy pollution the grass might contain things that are harmful to dogs. Where there are a lot of cars with heavy exhaust there could be lead or other poisonous things on the grass.

If the grass was in your own garden you would know if it is safe. It certainly seems to be normal behavior. They all do it.

[Aussienan]

I've never seen it as a problem like Catherine said it depends on what's on the grass the grass itself is o.k.

[Catherine]

Pet stores here sell little pots of soft grass for people's cats. They just nibble a bit at a time and they are fine.