Is it possible that animals are self-medicating too?

Among animals(except human:-)),dogs are smarter than many others.When we get along with these cute guys,they know how to make us happy,they know what to do when we're sad,they know what to do when they're hungry,they know how to face to a strnger... They act almost like a person.They're wisdom as well.I'll not doubt they have the ability to self-medicate.

I think it's really possible. I've read that lions do that, and my friend once mentioned observing her dog do something like that after it has eaten something it doesn't like. You should be careful though, and try to make sure your dog doesn't eat anything harmful. Our dog once did that. Our backyard has a lot of wild grass, and our dog ate some of it. After a while, he started foaming at the mouth. My dad took him to the vet right away, but it was too late. I don't know if he ate the grass because he knew he had eaten something bad, or if there was something in the grass that poisoned him, but most people at home believe it was something in the grass that did him in. Now, I usually keep an eye out for my dog when she starts sniffing around on the grass.

Yes, animals are self-medicating. I have seen dogs and cats eat grass. My cousin's dog when it got sick, it was eating soil and according to the vet it's a sign of some illness, it went out to the yard and started eating some grasses. Then my kitty also went out one day and sniffed on the grasses and nibbled a little. I have also seen some chickens and birds swoop down to get a blade of grass. Now, isn't that amazing!

Hi manong When dogs are not feeling well they will look to grass to feel better. They seem to know that by eating grass, they will upchuck, hence getting rid of whatever it is in the belly that dosen't feel right. They will also eat grass if they are constipated. They also seem to know that greens are what they need in order to eliminate, Nature is an amazing thing and if your dog wants to eat some grass,let her. They just seem to know what is best and it usually works. Usually the condition will pass in a day or so. Take note as to whether or not she is eliminating properly. I say this because you mentioned that she is not running around and being playful like usual. This is a sign of sluggishness usually caused by constipation. If you think that is the case,ther are other things you can do to improve her condition such as giving her some milk, or using a baby size dosage of milk of mag. or non flavored metamucil. Be careful not to give her too much or you'll have the other side of that problem! Another thing you can do is feed her canned pumpkin, (not pie filler) as that works for my dog every time. Sometimes feeding too much meat will cause this condition and fiber is needed. If its just a stomach thing, it will pass in a day or so. If not I would take her to a vet..Hope shes better soon and let her eat grass if she wants to. Good luck J

Yes this happens. Animals can self-medicate. Your dog is possibly looking for a cure for her ailment. Or maybe she just want to eradicate worms in her stomach. They know how to cure themselves. They what leaves to eat. And if you noticed that when dogs have rashes, wounds, or cuts, they usually lick on it. They're actually healing it. In case you don't know yet, saliva has an anti-bacterial/microbial property. That's why they're licking on their wounds. Isn't that amazing? :) shadow41

Yes, it is possible completely that animals are self-medicating too. As you have said above, she walked to the grassy part of the lawn and kept on smelling grass leaves as if looking for the right one that will cure her. In the sense of science, early in the co-evolution of plant-animal relationships, some arthropod species began to utilize the chemical defences of plants to protect themselves from their own predators and parasites. When dogs don't feel well, then they may walk to the grass to look for something that are helpful to their health, which is the way of saving themselves.

Yes, Animals know their self medications. It is natural. I saw cats are taking grass and then vomotting. I heard later that if cats suffer from indigestion, they take grass and vomits; thats how they recover themselves. This is their natural practice, i believe. Thank you.