Why is my dog constantly swallowing, licking, and eating grass?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 12 lbs
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?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 23rd, 2017
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!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus! If Zeus vomits daily he likely is allergic to his food or has inflammatory bowel disease. I would try first to change his food. The most common allergic protein is chicken. I would buy a food that doesn't contain chicken. Try beef, venison, pork, salmon, duck. You have to give the diet 2-3 months before trying a different one. You can not give him any other foods or treats that aren't made from the protein in his food. We can't prescribe medications because we are unable to examine Zeus. Daily vomiting is a lot and I recommend an exam with your Vet so they can prescribe medications while you start a food trial. I hope this helps and I wish Zeus the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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