Why Oh Why Does Your Dog Roll in The Grass (and Stinky Stuff, Too)

When your dog comes inside after a good roll on the ground, we know the odor they bring inside sometimes is not so pleasant. Unfortunately for you (but not for your pup), stinky things like dirt, dead animals, and fish are all appealing. For the most part, rolling around in the grass and not-so-great-smelling things is pretty harmless. Most often, they’re just trying to get that hard-to-reach itch or mask their scent when outdoors. It only becomes a problem when you notice what seems like play is done compulsively or they’re reacting to an allergy of some kind.

So, what are the common reasons behind this silly behavior and when should you be concerned? Let's dig in a little deeper.

It’s a Natural Behavior

A big roll on the back in the grass is like one big scratching post, so you can imagine it feels really good. Those spots where they can’t reach get the attention they so badly need. Besides scratching an itch, dogs also roll over as a form of communication, like expressing submission, greeting someone or another dog, or showing they’re ready to play. A soft surface like the floor inside doesn’t make sense when it comes to that itch. The more texture, the better, and the best place for that is outside on the green.

Dogs Love the Stinky Stuff

If a dog could, they would tell you to smell the stinky stuff too, because to them, the smellier the better! A dog's world is learned through their sniffers and although a smell is foul to us, your pup enjoys the odor and the information they get from it.

A theory that is not yet proven (but makes sense) is that rolling in the stink is a genetically passed down behavior. Out in the wild, it makes perfect sense to mask their own scent, especially when they’re sneaking up on prey, so smelling like anything other than themselves gives them a better chance of scoring in a hunt. It works for survival as well, like hiding from larger predators. Even if a dog is modern and well cared for, this could explain where they get the instinct to roll in poop or on dead animals.

Marking Their Territory

We know you’re familiar with your pooch’s need to mark their territory while going to the bathroom, but another form of leaving their mark is rolling around in grass and other areas. By doing so, it’s their way of leaving a little note for other dogs and animals saying, “Hey, this is mine.” Whether on a walk, at their favorite park, or even on your couch, wherever they may roll is them claiming their space.

It Just Feels Good

Sometimes a brush just doesn’t do the trick. Rolling around in the grass can remove loose fur, remove dirt that may be stuck, and loosen anything else on their hair like sap to your human scent. A fun back-and-forth flop in the grass is their one-stop-shop for itching a scratch, getting fresh air, marking their territory, or just getting stinky because they want to; a pleasant situation for your canine.

When to Stop Your Dog From Rolling in the Grass

If it seems like your dog is not really enjoying themselves or is rolling around for a long extended time, they may have allergies, become obsessed with the act, or have a case of the dreaded fleas. Of course if they spot a dead animal, that would be a good time to stop them as well.

If you have a stinky pooch or it’s time for a flea bath, then it’s time you find a Pooch Mobile Dog Washing Operator near you and book an appointment. Your dog will not be the only one who enjoys their all-inclusive dog wash. We guarantee after a hydrobath, your pup will be clean, flea free, and smelling great!