My 2 year old cairn has had us up every few hours during the night. He whines and paces as if he is desperate to go to the toilet,but once he is in the garden he just wants to eat grass. He comes back in and settles for a while and then it starts all over again. This has happened a couple of times before. He eventually settles and carries on as if nothing as happened. Any ideas please? Should I take him to the vet, although he is fine in every other way.
Jane

Hi Jane

My Dobe eats grass like he is a cow - I asked the vet about it and got a very very long story - basically this goes back to when they were wild and would kill a rabbit - eat all the rabbit then the last bit to be eaten would be the contents of the rabbits stomach.

Maybe he is feeling a bit under the weather - normally when my dog does this I give him some warm milk and he is off to sleep like a baby (snoring included)

Not much help I know but it might be worth a try.

I shouldn't worry too much, Jane, my two do this from time to time.  I think it's something they do when they have upset stomachs.  Sometimes the grass will make them sick, after which they usually feel better but even if they're not sick, they generally settle after a while. 
It's a pain though when it happens during the night :rolleyes:

It may be a sign of stomach discomfort. My dog did this a lot when she felt sick, and also when her colitis started.

I'd keep an eye on him, and take him to the vet if you are at all unsure. What are his stools like? :)
If it is acid stomach, you may be able to prevent it by giving a large biscuit late at night, or else make sure he has something as soon as he gets up (ie within a minute or two).

Lindsay
x

my friends dog did this and in the end she tried profibre and it has completly stopped the dog eating grass.
perhaps ask your vet about it