This act appears odd to us. The truth is that rolling around in the grass is likely to serve a number of purposes. Sort of like rub him or herself in the grass... why do dogs do this?! Fleas generally won't be a problem, unless there's a mino plague or infestation. Finally, your dog may roll in the grass simply because it feels good. Some predators, and dogs are a predatory species, like to roll in certain scents. Many owners know these strong smells can come from the following, less than pleasant, sources. So, why do dogs roll in the grass? Rolling in the grass appears to be an inherited behavior from wolves. Sometimes, rolling in the grass is not about picking up the scent of the grass itself. Rolling in grass is one such oddity that makes dog owners ask what their dog is up to. Of course, we’re not recommending that you keep your dog out of the grass completely. Dogs enjoy rolling in grass for many reasons. Finding a soft area to cushion his body and stretch out may provide your dog with an ideal opportunity to scratch his back and soak up the sun. DEAR BRUCE: Dogs do roll in the grass because it feels good, especially on hot days. Many prey animals will bolt at the slightest sound or scent of a potentially threatening animal. "Weezy rolls every time she goes outside, whether the grass is wet or dry," Jill says. Dogs love nothing better than a good roll around on their back, and you surely must have witnessed this while playing with your little pup outside. So, when it comes to sight, humans often have the advantage. The main reasons are that they like the feeling, to cool down, itchiness, to mask its scent, it’s inherited from wolves, to get their natural smell back after being washed, to mark their territory, obsession, excitement and to shed loose hair. For example, a dog might roll vigorously in the grass because they want to: Relieve an itch; Massage tight muscles "When a wolf encounters a novel odor, it first sniffs and then rolls in it, getting the scent on its body, especially around the face and neck," says Pat Goodmann, research associate and curator of Wolf Park in Indiana. A constant need to roll in the grass could also be a sign of an obessive compulsive disorder. Think of your pup as a two year old that never grows up. Just use your judgment to determine where and when a good roll in the grass is appropriate and do your best to prevent the behavior when it is not. But to some dogs, rolling in the grass seems to be extremely exciting. Finally, if you sense that something is wrong with your pet, don't delay. If your pooch looks like he’s uncomfortable or trying to relieve himself then he may be trying to scratch an itch. Reasons Dogs May Roll in the Grass Natural Instinct. Rolling in the grass is an effective way for a dog to change the aroma of its coat. They are also cognizant of whether other animals can smell them. Notice if your dog rolls in the grass right after a shampoo or other coat treatment. Your dog's need for rolling in the grass may also be an indication of a health issue that is causing itching. When dogs roll in a scent, they can share that scent with another member of their pack. Each product has an individual purpose. Dogs Roll in the Grass Because They Enjoy It. What would cause a dog to want to adopt these smells? Photo: Retrievers of Golden Duck.com, Bordomax.hr. They try to get as close to their prey as possible before they attack. Dog owners know that their pets can show some odd behaviors. But the reason behind this activity can be hard to discern. Others can help your dog’s skin and fur in the following ways: Despite different uses, these products often share one key similarity. This gives them the best chance of success. Jill, a Virginia-based nurse anesthetist, says that all three of her rescue dogs enjoy a good grass-shimmy, but her dog Weezy seems to enjoy it the most. Being able to smell so well, dogs are aware of their own scent. Yorkies shake for a variety of reasons. They roll around with a carefree abandon which seems to point to a general communion with nature. Rolling in the grass is a way to hide a wolf’s natural odor. Our objective is to bring you the very best in dog news, products, and information. Your email address will not be published. "Then keep him engaged in fun games and rewards around you so that he forgets the potential stinky fun elsewhere. And how do I stop my Labrador from rolling in the grass? It appears that there may be a few answers to this. The main reasons are that they like the feeling, to cool down, itchiness, to mask its scent, it’s inherited from wolves, to get their natural smell back after being washed, to mark their territory, obsession, excitement and to shed loose hair. As you will soon many of these reasons are related to a keen sense of smell. Like us, they have five senses that receive input from their surroundings. Rolling around in the grass to get rid of nuisances in their fur. Why do dogs roll around in the grass? Why Do Dogs Roll In Grass — Summary We don’t know for sure, but rolling on his back in the grass may loosen dead hair, give your dog a nice massage, relieve an itch… By rolling in that scent, the wolf is effectively disguising its own smell, making it less detectable to its victim. My dog rolls on the grass as if he's itching his back and he growls too. Rolling in the grass feels excellent for lots of dogs. There are some more obvious physical advantages to doing this. It is important however to understand that your dog is likely doing this because they are itchy and looking for relief for their discomfort. If they do, you may have found their motivation. They just love to get on their backs and squirm from side to side usually letting out soft growls and gruffs as they do. Dogs are a bit different from us in the way they interact with the world. While the training time for a good recall makes this solution sound tedious, the time saved on needless baths makes the effort easily worthwhile.". This may include such issues as skin allergies or flea and tick bites. But why do domestic dogs seem to get such joy from smearing another animal's faeces on their coat? At Wolf Park, we've observed several instances where one or more pack members has then followed the scent directly back to its origin.". Tall, scratchy grass is attractive because it feels good against their faces. So, why do Labradors roll in the grass? Often there are other pungent odors in the grass that attract dogs. Families enjoy having pets because they are, first of all favorites of their youngest members. As Dr. Coates puts it, “Dogs can scratch most places on their body with their paws or teeth, but their back is a hard place to reach.” Rolling in the grass could be the equivalent of giving … Coates defines an obsessive compulsive disorder as a “normal behavior that is done with such frequency or intensity as to become a problem.”, The solution? Nonetheless, it looks like they have maintained their pre-hunting practice of rolling in the grass. Just because you think something smells wonderful doesn't mean your dog will agree. Much like when answering "why do dogs eat grass," most experts believe there are several possible reasons as to why dogs engage in this activity. In many scenarios, that threatening predator is some form of canine. Other Reasons Dogs Roll in Grass. To counter a smell they don’t like, a dog will simply replace it with a smell they do like. Share on Twitter Tweet. He especailly does this after he takes a bath and when he is wet. Your email address will not be published. Some dogs simply like the smell and taste of grass. The primary reason they do it, however, has to do with their ancestry, not as snakes but as wolves. Required fields are marked *. While we have a few million, dogs tend to have billions of these receptors. It may be an innate way to manage scents. This acute sense of smell changes how dogs gain meaning from the world around them. A dog’s ability to hear, feel touch, and taste are similar to ours. It is like when you find a soft area to cushion the body and stretch out. Rather, dogs will routinely mask their own scent by rolling in items that are far more fragrant. If that doesn’t work, keep your dog away from the grass until he’s dry since he may be rolling in the grass to rub off the residual water from his bath. Your pooch may be rolling in the grass because he’s itchy. 1. Do you ever see your dog wallow in the Grass? Wolves, coyotes, and other wild dogs have been known to use certain odors to cover their own natural scent. So, why do huskies roll in the grass? They roll in it, rub up against it and devour it. For example, a wild wolf may roll in a patch of grass where a deer or a rabbit is eliminated. The stinkier the grass is, the more likely the rolling will appear. Is it simply a manifestation of their happiness? The speculation behind this particular behavior is that the new smell helps to hide the smell of its prey. "Upon its return, the pack greets it and during the greeting investigates the scent thoroughly. They are wonderful companions, great pets, and bring a new sense of purpose to your life. ), and skin infections. Although this might feel counter-intuitive to us, dogs really like to use the grass as a way to groom themselves. Posted by Joseph Abbott | Training & Behavior | 0 | Dogs can be goofy, and their goofy behavior can cause their human pals to ask questions about their behavior, and wonder whether it is normal or a sign of something. Your dog's need to roll in the grass may also be an indication of a health issue that is causing itching. More often than not they come with a distinct fragrance. What varies is the level of sensitivity in these senses. Buying or adopting a dog into your family home is a big decision, but one which is rewarding and fulfilling. Just make sure to keep a close eye on your dog’s coat. It's funny. What smells nice to us probably smells like poop to our dogs. If your dog seems to be itchier than normal, have him examined by a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause, and, if you haven't already done so, put your dog on an effective flea and tick preventive regimen. Dogs may also roll in grass to try to get scents they don't like off of them. When dogs are looking for an avenue to scratch their back and bask in the sun, they do this by rolling in the grass. They Love The Stink. The main differences lie in sight and smell. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. This finely tuned sense allows dogs to pick out individual odors we would never notice. Rolling in grass is a primal instinct that has been passed down for generations of dogs. Most modern dogs are just pets and won’t do much hunting in their lives. Another reason why your dog likes to roll in the grass it may be because there is a specific smell that has been detected in a particular patch of grass. Rolling in grass or dirt can remove the foreign substance and help keep their coats clean and healthy. In the article below, we’ll go into detail regarding some of the most common reasons why domestic dogs roll around in the grass. They, therefore, do this to relax. A dog’s sense of smell can be 100,000 times stronger than a human’s. I don't think he has fleas because we use Frontline Plus so what's wrong with him? But still, there may be an even simpler explanation. Others are looser theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon. The world’s most comprehensive blend of dog information. What makes this possible is the high volume of olfactory receptors in a dog’s nasal cavity. Dogs usually have big smiles and a happy expression when they’re rolling for fun. Smell is not the only reason that a dog will roll around in the grass. Inspect him for any redness and/or swelling on his body. A dog may dislike its coat-supporting products. "Keep your eyes open for things that excite your dog's nose, and before Rover's rolling in ecstasy, call him back to your side," says Dr. Sofia Yin, veterinarian and animal behaviorist. Does this sound familiar? For most of them rolling in the grass is even more exciting than running. After covering the scent of their coat, a wolf will have a much easier time approaching prey. Common problems include skin allergies, external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc. Portions of grass plants—particularly the sharp awns (seed-heads) found on some tall grasses—can be inhaled, lodge under an eyelid, or sometimes even penetrate intact skin. Why do dogs like to play in the grass so much? Perhaps, then, your dog is rolling in the grass because he smells something interesting and wants to bring home a sample so that you can check it out, too. Some are based on science and a dog’s natural instincts. Some of the dogs just like lying down on the grass and enjoying the sun, while others roll happily around. Keeping your yard clean of anything malodorous that … We hope that you realise what could be the reason and why acctually do dogs roll in grass and we also hope that these tips have been of some use for your and the sake of your dog. Dogs Use Grass for Self-Grooming. One of the best things about dogs is their quirks and idiosyncrasies, and the weird and wonderful things they do to make us laugh— often quite unintentionally. Just like us, they like to feel comfortable and secure when they let down their guard, and this helps them do that. For example, a dog might roll vigorously in the grass because they want to: Those are just a few reasons a dog might use rolling in the grass as a form of physical relief. In some cases, dogs might just find it enjoyable to roll around in the grass on a nice summer day. In some cases, it is important not to over-analyze the things that dogs do for fun. Why do dogs like to roll in the grass like it’s the best thing since sliced bread? To remove unwanted odors (usually human inflicted like shampoo), to scratch, for pleasure, or to take some of the scent from the grass. Smell is an entirely different story. Many people consider this as normal and therefore don’t take action to find out the reason for this. 0. Dog Won’t Eat? Turns out, there are a number of theories on why dogs still roll in grass today. There are a number of reasons that a husky can roll in the grass. Why do dogs roll in grass In almost every suburban household, there’s a dog. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a5876011bc161e05450f18332d1b8ed3" );document.getElementById("e72229ce8e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); If your dog won't eat or has a loss of appetite, you're not alone and…, Why is my Yorkie shaking? Share on Google Plus Share. If your dog has something stuck to his back or other hard-to-reach regions, he might opt for a good roll in the grass to get that strange thing off him. Every dog is different, so try out various grooming products until you find a scent that you can both appreciate or settle on an odorless shampoo and no doggy-perfume. Maybe your dog is trying to get rid of some of that post-grooming, heavily-perfumed smell when he rolls in the grass after a bath. All dogs love to roll on the grass from time to time and it's not the grass that presents any danger to them. Why Modern Dogs Still Roll in Grass. However, if a lawn has been treated with any sort of chemically-based fertiliser, herbicides or pesticides, then rolling on the grass could cause a skin irritation. In the wild, wolves—distant cousins of dogs—create “nests” for themselves in the grass by rolling around and flattening their surrounding area. Why Do Dogs Roll in Grass? Some are simply shampoos or conditioners. It might be a form of physical relief. As Dr. Coates puts it, “Dogs can scratch most places on their body with their paws or teeth, but their back is a hard place to reach.” Rolling in the grass could be the equivalent of giving themselves a good back scratch. The dogs always roll on grass to get rid of scent, acquire some new scent, get rid of itching, and sometimes disguise their scent with environment to avoid predators. Shampoos with fragrances smelling of cherries and flowers make us want to cuddle our furballs, but the smell may send them running straight outside to the stinkiest thing they can find. This is something you will want to treat as soon as you can. When a … What if you have a dog that thoroughly enjoys rolling around in dirty, foul smelling stuff outside? Every dog’s favorite activity is to play and run outside. Among these is a dog’s willingness and desire to roll in the grass. Both dogs and wolves tend to focus on getting strong smells on their faces and necks. A dog with something really It is not hard to imagine that the texture of grass is quite appealing to dogs in these scenarios. A better, yet sillier question would be why do dogs like to play so much? Observing your dog’s behavior can help you determine if your dog is merely relaxing in his environment or if there is something you need to attend to. Ever notice a dog rolling in grass and ask yourself, WHY? Is this apparently inoffensive behavior a reason to worry? But why do dogs do it? Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and, if you haven't already done so, begin your dog on a flea and tick preventive regimen. 6 Common Reasons Explained, 7 Common Reasons for Why Your Dog Pants at Night, Best Bernese Mountain Dog Breeder in the USA, 7 Best Siberian Husky Breeders in the USA, 8 Best French Bulldog Breeders in the USA, Reduce irritation from a flea infestation. It very well may be… your Dachs may be rolling in the grass just because it feels good and nothing more. Fleas and ticks, other critters that may sting or bite, and disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other potential pathogens can also hide in the grass. Much like dogs, many other animals rely on smell for vital information. But how does a strong sense of smell factor into a dog’s desire to roll in the grass? There is no doubt that dogs love to roll in the grass. Your dog's need to roll in the grass may also be an indication of a health issue that is causing itching. Share on Facebook Share. Smell is not the only reason that a dog will roll around in the grass. Why Do Dogs Roll in Grass? Why do dogs roll in grass? So why do they do it? For some products, like cologne for dogs, the scent is the main feature. Well, to be honest no one really knows. If you have…. Why do dogs love to roll in the grass? If a dog gets mud, bird poop, tree sap or another substance on its back by accident, it can't just hop in the shower like a person can. If you start asking yourself, “why do dogs roll in the grass?”  it could be the sign of a new flea problem. Although dogs roll on the grass to simply relax, others do so to get something off their back. Does your dog roll in the grass? But have you considered if your dog enjoys these smells? In this article, we will look at some of the reasons why dogs roll around in the grass. Your dog does not roll around in goose poop simply because they know how much you hate it. ), and skin infections. View image of Dogs love to roll, especially in smelly poo (Credit: Petra Wegner/naturepl.com) Often dogs will roll in the grass to relieve an unseen annoyance. What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? “In fact, the canine nose is so much more sensitive than ours that what smells good to us can be overpowering and irritating to a dog,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, author and veterinary advisor with petMD. One theory is that the need to roll in grass (or anything that has a strong smell, for that matter) is inherited from dogs’ wolf-like ancestors. The best explanation seems to be communication. It's not the rolling that is dangerous; it's all the stuff that may be lurking in the grass (or even the grass itself) which could pose a risk. Support our work by sharing this article :) Thanks! Common problems include skin allergies, external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc. These smells can be evidence of an animal worth following. Sharing these scents with pack members can be the first lead in their next successful hunt. Like humans, dogs are attracted to scents they find appealing. These scents are pleasing to us and are often subtle to our relatively dull senses of smell. There are many products on the market that are intended to help your dog’s coat. Dogs often roll in grass and therefore we might not think much as to the ‘whys’ of this behavior. Dogs are less able to keep objects in focus with their eyes. A trembling Yorkie…, We all love our dogs and want the very best for them. Some dogs may roll in the grass just because it is a fun way to play. There are some more obvious physical advantages to doing this. Some lawns are treated with fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that may be poisonous for dogs. 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