Why Does My Dog Roll in Gross-Smelling Things?

Many pet owners will agree that their dogs tend to have a different perspective on what smells good and what doesn’t. Have you ever noticed your dog rolling around in weird or bad-smelling things? It can be anything repulsive, from manure and dirt to any other thing that doesn’t smell good. As a pet owner, you’ve probably wondered why your dog keeps on doing this. Why does this happen? Although there isn’t a specific explanation of why dogs tend to roll in smelly things, there are some theories about why this happens. Take a look at these reasons below. 

Scent Masking

One reason why your dog might like to roll in gross smelling things dates back to their instinctual characteristics. Dogs in the past may have rolled in smelly items so that they could hide or mask their scent, enabling them to sneak up on their potential prey or meal. Animals tend to roll in their prey’s poop to mask their own scent so that the prey won’t run away. This way, they don’t smell like a threat to their prey. 

To Send Messages

Another explanation of why dogs tend to roll in smelly stuff may be that it is a means of communication. Going back to their instinctual characteristics before dogs became pets, most of them traveled in groups or packs. Many researchers believe that they rolled in these things to communicate where they had been to the other dogs they were with. This could have been their way of gathering information about a place so that they could tell it to the others. It was their way of sharing the scent of the place they’d been. Other animals, like bees, also do this, so it isn’t anything new to animals. 

Showing Off Their Scent

Another explanation is that dogs may simply be attracted to such odors. Similar to perfume on people, some dogs may feel that they’ve found a good smelling thing, which is why they are rolling in it. This may be their way of showing off a strong smell. Dogs tend to choose such things to roll in because they appeal to them and their nature. 

What to Do About It

Sometimes pet owners can’t prevent their dogs from rolling around in smelly stuff. Simply combat and get rid of the smell through proper and thorough bathing for your dog. Below are some ways you can get rid of the bad smell on your pet dog. 

• Use a strong and good shampoo that will neutralize the smell. If you can’t seem to get rid of strong smells or odors by using a shampoo, you can make a solution for bathing your dog. Mix hydrogen peroxide (a small amount), baking soda (about a quarter of a cup), and liquid soap together and use it like normal shampoo. Make sure that you avoid your dog’s eyes. 
• If your dog tends to roll in feces or manure, make sure that your yard is free from it and other potentially smelly items, as well.