Why do dogs roll in fox poo? ?
Introduction ?
If you’re a dog owner, you may have experienced the strange—and pretty unpleasant—moment when your dog decides to roll around in fox poo.
While it might be strange (and very smelly), there’s actually a reason behind this odd behaviour.
Let’s break down why dogs do this and what it means to them.
Why do dogs roll in fox poo? ?
1. Hiding their scent ?
Long ago, wild animals like wolves rolled in strong smells to help them blend in with their surroundings.
Rolling in something like fox poo can help dogs to hide their natural scent. This would make it easier for them to hunt without being noticed, or to avoid being hunted themselves.
Even though our pet dogs don’t need to hunt, some dogs might still have this instinct.
The strong smell of fox poo can trigger a dog’s instincts, and they roll in it as if they need to hide their scent.
2. Communicating with other dogs ?
Dogs communicate a lot through smell, and rolling in something strong like fox poo lets them carry a new scent back to “share” with other dogs.
In the wild, if a wolf or other animal returned to the pack with a new smell, it was like bringing news or showing what they’d discovered.
So, when your dog rolls in fox poo, it might be their way of “telling” other dogs (or even you) that they found something interesting.
To a dog, the smelly discovery of fox poo is exciting news!
3. Enjoying the sensation ✨
Sometimes, the reason for rolling in fox poo is much simpler: dogs just like the smell and feel of it.
Fox poo has a strong, unique scent and texture, which can be very stimulating for dogs.
Rolling in dog poo might just feel nice or fun to them, like a child enjoying playing in mud.
4. Getting attention ?♂️
Some dogs notice that rolling in something stinky gets a big reaction from their owners.
If you rush over, make a fuss, or quickly try to clean them up, your dog might take this as attention, even if it’s not positive.
If your dog wants more of that reaction, they might roll in more smelly things just to get a response.
How to stop your dog from rolling in fox poo ?
While it can be frustrating, punishing your dog for rolling in fox poo could harm your bond with your dog. This means that it’s very important to avoid punishment or behaving negatively towards your dog when it occurs.
Rolling in fox poo is a natural behaviour, so instead, focus on understanding your dog’s behaviour and redirecting them through positive training methods.
To prevent your dog from rolling in fox poo, you can do things like:
- Distract them: Watch for signs that your dog is about to roll in something smelly and try to distract them with treats or toys.
- Teach commands: Teaching your dog basic commands like “leave it” or “come” can help redirect your dog when they’re tempted to roll in fox poo.
- Keep them on a lead: If fox poo is common in certain areas, keeping your dog on a lead can prevent them from getting too close to it.
- Quick clean-Up: If your dog does end up rolling in fox poo, dog-safe shampoo can help get rid of the smell. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can irritate their skin.
Other smelly substances to look out for ?
Sadly, if you’ve got a dog that likes rolling in fox poo, there are lots of other smelly things that they might want to roll in.
When walking your dog you should also keep an eye out for:
- Cow or horse manure: A common favourite for many dogs due to its strong scent.
- Decomposing wildlife: Sometimes the smell of an animal that has passed away can be irresistible to some dogs and encourage them to roll.
- Mud with stagnant water: The combination of bacteria and organic matter can attract dogs looking for a good roll.
- Seaweed or fish remains: If you’re near the coast, these can be particularly tempting.
- Chemicals like tar or oil: Not only smelly but also potentially harmful to your dog’s skin and coat.
Is fox poo bad for my dog’s skin? ?
Fox poo isn’t usually harmful to your dog’s skin, but it can cause problems if it’s not cleaned off quickly.
It can carry bacteria and parasites that might lead to infections, especially if your dog has small cuts or scratches. The strong smell can also stick to their coat and be hard to get rid of.
Make sure to wash your dog with a pet-safe shampoo after they’ve rolled in fox poo, and watch for any signs of irritation, like redness or scratching.
How to get fox poo out of your dog’s fur ?
To get fox poo out of your dog’s fur, start by rinsing the affected areas with warm water to remove as much as possible.
Next, use a dog-safe shampoo, ideally one designed for strong odours, and work it into the fur thoroughly. You can also use a specialised fox poo shampoo for stubborn smells.
Pay extra attention to areas where the poo is stuck, like around the neck or shoulders, and rinse well to ensure all shampoo is removed.
If the smell persists, repeat the process. After washing, dry your dog with a clean towel, and give them a good brush to leave their coat clean and fresh.
Home remedies for cleaning fox poo ?
If you don’t have fox poo shampoo to hand, there are a few home remedies you can try to get the smell out of your dog’s fur.
First, rinse the affected area with warm water to remove as much of the poo as possible. Then, make a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste, and gently rub it into the fur. Baking soda helps neutralise the odour.
Another option is to use white vinegar mixed with water (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).
Apply it to the fur, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. After cleaning, use a pet-safe shampoo to wash your dog and dry them with a towel.
Things to consider when using home remedies ⚠️
When using home remedies like baking soda or vinegar on your dog, it’s important to be cautious to ensure your dog doesn’t ingest them. While both are generally safe in small amounts, consuming large quantities can cause digestive upset or other issues.
When applying baking soda, only use a small amount and avoid letting your dog lick it off, as ingesting too much can cause stomach irritation. If your dog starts licking, gently distract them or use a towel to cover the area until it’s fully rinsed off.
With vinegar, the strong acidity can cause tummy upset if ingested in large amounts. Be sure to keep your dog from licking the treated area until it’s fully rinsed. If your dog does ingest a small amount, it’s usually not dangerous. However, make sure to monitor them for any signs of discomfort, such as drooling or stomach upset.
Always ensure you rinse the area thoroughly and dry your dog properly after using these home remedies. These remedies can help freshen up your dog’s coat until you’re able to get a specialised shampoo.
Conclusion ?
Though it’s messy and stinky, the habit of rolling in fox poo is part of what makes dogs so unique.
Even if we don’t quite understand the appeal of fox poo, knowing it’s just an instinct can help us find humour in it. Hopefully this article has helped you to understand your dog’s behaviour better, and handle it with a bit more patience!
So that’s it!
Some of the main reasons that dogs roll in dog poo include:
- Hiding their scent ?
- Communicating with other dogs ?
- Enjoying the sensation ✨
- Getting attention ?♂️
If you know any friends or family members who might benefit from learning about why dogs roll in fox poo, share this post with them!
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