In the grass, has your dog ever been seen writhing and rolling around? There are a few possible interpretations of this behavior.
The solution to the issue of why dogs roll in the grass may be as simple as that of why chickens cross the road. Firehouse Animal Health Center is a set of veterinary hospitals in Austin, Texas, located in a converted fire station from the early 20th century. “Because it feels good,” explains Dr. John Faught, one of the co-founders of the clinic.
Is This Typical Conduct?
Just for fun, “Dr. Faught says, every dog periodically enjoys rolling about on a variety of surfaces. The sense of smell is very important to your dog’s ability to interact with its surroundings. After all, they are not randomly sniffing about the whole backyard. It’s a normal aspect of their behavior around the yard or any other environment they find themselves in.
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The common belief is that dogs continually sniff about, observing their surroundings and learning about them via their sense of smell. A dog’s sense of direction, however, is not limited to sight. Your dog is taking in information from its surroundings while it rolls about on the grass.
The Implications?
- It indicates that your dog is happy and active. They are feeling relaxed and carefree at that same time.
- They’re telling other dogs and people that they’re in a good mood.
- The presence of another dog in the area may be seen as a request for play. Dogs often show their willingness to make a new friend by rolling over on their backs during playful wrestling matches.
Allergies, huh?
They can just be itchy. Dr. Faught explains that this is typical for dogs who suffer from environmental allergies, which are the most prevalent form of allergy they treat. However, this may have the opposite effect on dogs who are allergic to it. The danger with outside rolling is that it might expose them to even more allergens.The AKC, to a person. The signs and treatments for dog allergy.
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Talk to your doctor if you think your dog may have allergies because of how often it rolls about outdoors. Dr. Faught emphasizes the need of keeping a dog’s skin clean and free of allergens by using a variety of wipes, shampoos, and conditioners in addition to oral or injectable treatments to reduce allergies.
Why Do Dogs Enjoy Foul Smelling Things?
It’s very common for some dogs to like rolling about in really noxious materials. There are several hypotheses put out by veterinarians to explain why dogs like rolling in the discarded leftovers of foul odors.
We know that certain natural predators do the same thing to mask their smell to make them better hunters,” adds Dr. Faught. It’s possible that, even though most dogs don’t engage in active hunting anymore, they’re still hardwired for the behavior of their wolf ancestors.
Furthermore, this behavior may represent yet another kind of canine communication. They do this to send a signal to other dogs by covering themselves with the smell. Dr. Faught argues that although your dog “might prefer the scent of rotten leaves or a dead animal” if it were a person, it may really prefer Chanel No 5. Your dog’s nose may believe they are rolling in expensive perfume as we crank up ours.
Finally, there’s the “Look at what I found!” explanation. According to this theory, your dog may roll in a bad stench to exhibit it to you and other dogs, either as a sign of pride or a warning. By “wearing the scent,” they may get the respect of the local canine population.
Firehouse Animal Health Center co-founder and veterinarian Dr. Jed Rogers remembers the time he and his cocker spaniel, Mo, lived in Hawaii. During a formal photoshoot with his companion, Mo managed to find a dead octopus and roll around in it during a break in the picture taking. He looked fantastic after getting a professional grooming session. “We got the photos we needed but holding him post-octopus roll was no fun,” says Dr. Rogers. Of course, Mo loved every minute of it.
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