Animal Wellness Magazine Do Wild Dogs Self-Medicate? What Can We Learn from Zoopharmacognosy Behaviors

Have you ever caught your dog munching on grass in the backyard and wondered why? You might actually be witnessing something truly fascinating — a behavior scientists call zoopharmacognosy. This is the idea that animals may instinctively seek out certain plants or natural substances to help themselves feel better. Pretty amazing, right?

What Is Zoopharmacognosy?​

Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate using plants, soils, and other natural substances. The word comes from:

• Zoo = animal
• Pharma = medicine
• Gnosy = knowing

Basically, it’s watching animals in nature to understand how they instinctively find and use natural remedies.

Key Things We Can Learn:​

Natural Remedies​

• Animals often seek out specific plants when they are sick
• This can help researchers discover new medicines for both animals and humans

Parasite Control​

• Some animals eat certain plants or clay to help control internal parasites
• This gives us clues about natural anti-parasitic properties in plants

Animal Intelligence​

• Animals have a built-in instinct to find what their body needs
• This teaches us that animal behavior has important biological reasons behind it

Drug Discovery​

• Many modern medicines were actually discovered by observing animal self-medication behaviors

Wild Dogs and Nature’s Medicine Cabinet​

Research has shown that wild dogs and other canines sometimes turn to plants when they’re feeling under the weather. Here are some of the most interesting behaviors scientists have observed:

• Grass eating is probably the most common behavior dog parents notice. Wild and domestic dogs alike will eat grass, which can help them vomit and clear out an upset stomach
• Some wild dogs have been observed seeking out plants that may have anti-parasitic properties
• Wild animals have also been seen eating clay or soil, which may help calm an irritated digestive system

Plants of Interest​

Scientists are still studying zoopharmacognosy behaviors, and there is still a lot we don’t fully understand. However, here are the plants of interest:

• Couch grass (Agropyron repens) — commonly eaten by dogs, may help move parasites through the gut
• Wormwood (Artemisia species) — observed being consumed by some wild animals and has been studied for anti-parasitic properties
• Chicory — has shown some anti-parasitic effects in livestock research

Important Warning for Dog Parents​

Many common plants are actually very dangerous for dogs, including:

• Daffodils
• Azaleas
• Oleander
• Cherry pits and apple seeds, which can cause cyanide poisoning
• Many other household and garden plants

Plant poisoning in dogs can cause serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures, and, in severe cases, even death. Dog parents should be aware of these risks.

What You Can Safely Do at Home​

Fresh foods like blueberries, strawberries, spinach, carrots, and red bell peppers can be added to meals as healthy extras — just remember to follow the 10% rule, meaning extras should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet

Always check with your veterinarian before adding any supplements or new foods to your dog’s routine. The safest thing you can do for your dog is to contact your veterinarian if your dog seems sick or is eating unusual plants or substances.


The post Do Wild Dogs Self-Medicate? What Can We Learn from Zoopharmacognosy Behaviors appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.

Read More...