Why is my dog constantly swallowing, licking, and eating grass?

Question

12 lb Chihuahua cross has episodes of constant/hard swallowing and licking and will frantically lick floors, eat grass or even eat his own fur. He initially had these episodes very frequently while on a raw/whole prey diet, and had not had a single episode since switching to a high quality kibble over a year ago. Seemingly out of nowhere, with no dietary change, he is having an episode now. What can I give him or do to help? What causes this? Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 12 lbs

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am sorry that Zeus isn't feeling well. Hard swallowing/licking can be a sign of nausea and an upset stomach. Eating grass and fur is also a sign of an upset stomach. It is not surprising that he did this on a raw food diet (especially if there were bones) as this often causes gastritis. Now that he is on a kibble he is likely feeling much better most of the time. If he is having another episode now, it could be that he is having a bit of gastritis again. It is firstly important to make sure he doesn't have something stuck in his esophagus, this can be done with an x-ray. Alternatively, at home you can feed him some boiled boneless chicken, and see if he will eat it and not vomit or regurgitate it back up. As a general rule, if they eat food and it stays down for an hour it is unlikely to have an esophageal blockage. If you feed some food and Zeus either regurgitates/vomits/or does not want to eat the treat, I would recommend a visit to the vet. If Zeus is eating, and not vomiting, and is otherwise bright and happy, a simple gastritis can usually be treated at home with boiled boneless/skinless/chicken breasts, and boiled rice, in small frequent meals for 2 days, and then re-introduce his kibble slowly. At any time if there is vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or inappetance, I would recommend a visit to the vet ASAP for radiographs, possible bloodwork, and possible hospitalization and treatment depending on what they find. I hope Zeus feels better soon!

Why is my dog constantly swallowing, licking, and eating grass?

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