​There can be a number of reasons why our dogs eat grass, which can range from simple behavioural habits to more serious health concerns. Finding out the specific reason your dog eats grass can help you address the issue or rectify any underlying health problems.

Grass contains roughage, which is dietary fibre found in the indigestible (for humans) parts of plants. Although human digestive systems cannot break down and use the fibre from roughage, dog’s in fact can. If a dog is lacking fibre in their diet and it’s causing them to be unable to comfortably pass bowel motions, they may begin eating grass to help them pass this.

If your dog’s diet is steadily consistent and they eat grass often, this could be a reason why. You should discuss with your vet and assess the nutritional content of your dog’s diet.
Although there is no universal rule for how much crude fibre a dog should have daily within their diet, in general the suggested amount is anywhere between 2.5-6%, however this should always be discussed with your vet as every circumstance is different for each dog, based on their aged and health.

Some dogs simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass. 

Some dogs may only eat specific types of grasses, or they might prefer it when it is at a particular length, or at certain times of the year (e.g., when new shoots appear).
This habit can also stem from boredom. If you find your dog does this when they haven’t been for a walk or at times when they are alone, it could be a self-entertainment habit. The act of chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, the "happy chemicals, in a dog’s brain, so chewing is often a habit they use to alleviate boredom or anxiety.
If your dog only eats grass periodically or a specific type of grass, it may just be a habit that they enjoy. It shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, however, you should always be aware of any chemicals or pesticides that have been sprayed on the grass, as these are toxic to dogs. Leaving them with suitable and safe chew toys can also give them an alternative to keep themselves entertained.

This is likely the most common reason people think their dog eats grass, but it’s often considered the least frequent primary reason in veterinary studies.

Dogs are not necessarily trying to vomit when they start eating grass; rather, they may eat the grass because they are already feeling unwell. If your dog does vomit immediately after eating grass, it often means the stomach was already irritated and the indigestible texture of the grass simply helped to bring on the vomiting process. The tough, sharp blades of grass may tickle the throat or stomach lining.

If your dog frequently vomits after eating grass, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as there is usually an underlying health issue causing the gastric upset, such as:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Acid reflux
• Dietary intolerance
• Blockage of the digestive tract
  
  

If you are concerned that your dog may be unwell or may have eaten grass that has been sprayed with chemicals, you should always consult your vet immediately. Our blog, ‘Signs of Toxicity in Dogs,’ can help you identify if your dog is displaying any worrying signs.

We all know the amazing, hard work that organisations and charities do to help support those in need of an Assistance Dog - but how is that a pup goes from a little bundle of energy to a life changing new family member?
It's the hard work of people like Georgia who help get them there! 

Placing Assistance Dogs with clients holds a special place in Georgia’s heart. After years spent guiding puppies, volunteers, and clients through the life-changing journey of Assistance Dog training, she’s seen just how powerful these partnerships become. “It’s not just about providing support – it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and emotional connection,” she shares. “The bond that forms between a person and their Assistance Dog is powerful; it can create new possibilities, increase community connection, and bring a sense of companionship that can’t be replicated. Being part of that journey – watching lives transform through trust, teamwork, and love – is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”  

Georgia has been part of the Assistance Dog world since 2020 and has spent almost four years in ADA’s operations team, working across puppy development, training, and instructing. Based in Queensland, she works closely with a dedicated network of volunteers who open their homes – and their hearts – to the puppies and dogs in training. 
“My role is really about supporting dogs and humans through every stage of development,” Georgia explains. That includes everything from educating volunteers, conducting training sessions, and running assessments, to supporting clients across Australia with their working Assistance Dogs.
A “typical week” for Georgia simply doesn’t exist – and that’s part of what she loves. Her days are filled with managing dogs of all ages and developmental levels, checking in with volunteers and clients, scheduling follow-ups and assessments, providing training sessions, distributing supplies, documenting progress, onboarding volunteers, and sometimes racing around in her work van, fondly known as “the party bus”, collecting dogs for group outings and socialisation. It’s busy, hands-on, and constantly evolving. “Every week requires flexibility,” she says, “but it also brings a new opportunity to support growth – whether it’s a puppy nailing a new skill or a client building confidence with their matched dog.” 

One of Georgia’s favourite parts of the job is witnessing the full training journey, from Puppy Education through Advanced Training and into placement. Many of the dogs she works with, she’s known since the day they left the nest. “Watching them grow from playful pups into confident, reliable partners is one of the most beautiful transformations,” she says. Early development focuses on foundational skills, exposures, and building curiosity. Advanced Training introduces specialised tasks, tailored to support individuals with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Each dog moves at their own pace, and instructors like Georgia constantly assess their strengths and potential roles. 
The matching process is incredibly thoughtful. Instructors look beyond task capability, considering personality, lifestyle, home environment, handling style, and energy levels. “When we finally place a dog with their new teammate, everything comes together,” Georgia says. “We support them through the early days of bonding, connection, and learning how to work together. It’s a moment of immense pride and I never get tired of it.” ​

Georgia works as a part of a huge, dedicated team, who help to improve and change the lives of the people who gain one of their dogs into their family.

To find out more or to help support the incredible work of what Assistance Dogs Australia do, visit their website here.

Assistance Dogs Australia. Information regarding accredited trainers and assistance dog training programs in Australia was sourced from the official website of Assistance Dogs Australia, available at:  ​https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/instructor-georgia-connecting-to-people-through-dogs/ 

​The Maltese is a small, adorable lap dog that loves to cuddle and be with its human as much as possible. With the popularity of cross-breeding these days, many people don't know much about the purebred Maltese.

The Maltese is an ancient breed believed to have originated in the central Mediterranean region, with its development heavily associated with the island of Malta, which is how it got its name. The breed was well established in Malta long before it was formally recognized by kennel clubs.

The Maltese was seen as a symbol of high status in society and was owned by the wealthy and royalty. They were kept purely as pets and companion dogs and were often carried around in women’s sleeves, found sitting on their owner’s laps, and sleeping in their beds with them. This aristocratic companion role has been consistent throughout history.

The Maltese is a small breed of dog that typically reaches a height of 18–23 cm at the shoulder and weighs under 3–4 kg.
Pure white is considered the only acceptable colour standard in most major kennel clubs (like the AKC and FCI), although different standards around the world may allow very light cream or tan markings in parts of the coat.

Grooming is a daily requirement for the Maltese, especially if they are kept in a full, long coat. Gentle brushing is required daily as their coat is very soft and prone to tangling. Pay extra attention behind their ears, under their "armpits," and on their belly to avoid matting and to remove any debris they may pick up when out and about.

Their eyes should be wiped clean, gently with a warm cloth or an appropriate cleanser, daily to avoid the famous tear staining around the eyes. Their ears also require weekly checking and cleaning, and should have hair plucked out as needed by a groomer or vet to prevent infections.
Regular professional grooming and coat clipping can help to keep their coat easier to maintain. A full-coated Maltese will also require the hair from the top of their head kept out of their eyes, often secured in a topknot or a similar style.
​
They are a breed that sheds very little and can be a good fit for allergy sufferers.

A happy, playful, and loving dog, the Maltese is a great companion. They enjoy a daily walk to get out and explore and are generally a very friendly dog if well-socialized. They love to play, and with a short walk, plenty of cuddles, and play time, they are perfectly suitable for apartment living and can manage well with just a small yard.

They are a very loyal breed that is intelligent and easy to train with consistent and calm leadership. They are brave for their size and will happily alert their family to any strange noises or intruders. They can be picky eaters, especially if offered too much human food, which can cause them to reject their regular dog food.

They can suffer from "Small Dog Syndrome" if they are allowed to be treated too much like a baby and not a dog, which can be very confusing for them. A dog that begins to think it is a human in charge can develop behavioural issues that can make them unsafe around small children and other animals, so calm leadership from the beginning is essential.

The Maltese is very happy to sit on your lap and follow you around the house all day long and is an ideal fit for many different homes, from busy families to laid-back, calm, and relaxed homes with only one or two humans.

The Maltese is considered a generally healthy breed of dog. Depending on their coat length and the places where their fur parts, they can be prone to sunburn, and dog-safe sunscreen should be applied as needed.
Their coat can hold water and dampness, so they should be checked after being outside in wet weather to ensure that they are completely dry, which helps to avoid hot spots. The breed can be prone to dental, eye, and respiratory issues, so health checks of breeding parents are essential.
​
A healthy Maltese can live on average between 12–15 years, although some live as long as 18 years!