Grass eating

Question
My Pug has recently started eating grass like a madman. She will hardly go to the bathroom because she is grabbing big clumps of grass and I have to pull her back into the house. She has never done this before. Should I take her to a vet? Does this mean she is sick? Her nose is nice and moist and she has not vomited. She has been hacking a little bit as if she is choking on something.
Thank You, Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry!
I answered this question on the 11th when it was sent....but for some reason it's still showing up in my "unanswered questions".  I am unsure as to whether or not you received my answer.  I am having computer problems, so if you haven't received my answer, that may be the culprit.  I am going to copy and paste my original answer to you...I appologize if you have received it! :
Hi Jerry!  This may be a behavioral problem, or there may be something on the grass that is attracting your pug to eat it.
There are a few concerns with grass eating.  If she is ingesting clumps, I would be concerned that she will eventually develop an intestinal blockage.  Another concern would be whether or not the grass has been chemically treated, where a toxicity may occur.  For an intestinal blockage, symptoms would be lack of bowel movements/straining while defecating, vomiting, lethargy, discomfort in the abdominal area.  For a toxicity, symptoms would be vomiting, lethargy, listlessness, discomfort.  If you see any of these symptoms, getting her to a veterinarian promptly is important.
Now, on the behavioral side of things.  This could be an obsessive behavior, in which continuous coaching could deter.  Try taking her out on a leash.  Every time she goes to eat the grass, take your index finger and middle finger and gently poke her in the neck while saying "NO." I know this sounds silly, but I learned from an animal behavioralist, that the mother dog gently bites her pup's necks when they "misbehave".  When we gently poke with our fingers, this takes them back to when their mother dog scolded them and tends to make them understand better.  Continually doing this will teach her that eating grass is NOT acceptable.
As for her choking on something.  Her gums should be pink and moist.  If they are pale or bluish, that would indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood, which would mean that she is not getting enough air.  If her gums are nice and pink, she may just have a piece of grass tickling her throat, causing some irritation. I do, however, feel as though it would be beneficial to have a veterinarian physically examine her throat to be sure that there is nothing stuck.
I hope this helps,
Hilary