When it comes to rolling in things, there can be worse things than grass. Some dogs like to roll in poop, for example, which can be disgusting and may even necessitate an unscheduled bath. On the other hand, dogs rolling in grass can actually be quite adorable. But have you ever wondered why they do it?
Marking scents
When a dog rolls in grass, it most likely means he or she is trying to pick up a scent, leave their scent, or mask a scent. This type of behavior is a remnant from canine ancestors, wolves, who hunted prey.
So, a dog might try to pick up the scent of another animal by rolling in grass where the animal has urinated or defecated. Or they may be trying to hide their own smell (which wolves do to approach a prey undetected). Your dog may even be rolling in grass to cover up an undesirable smell. If you’ve just given your dog a bath and are dismayed to see him rolling in grass, he may in fact be trying to get rid of the shampoo smell.
Scratching an itch
Sometimes, dogs will roll in grass to scratch an itch. If this is occasional behavior, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if your dog is rolling in grass very often, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit and make sure there isn’t something else going on that’s giving your pooch itchy skin.
Having fun
Dogs will sometimes roll in grass simply to relax and have fun. It’s not anything specific, just a way to loosen up and get off their feet.
Remember dogs have a sense of smell that is many times more sensitive than humans. Dogs use scents to communicate with other dogs. Rolling in grass is one way or picking up or leaving behind scents. Also, as mentioned, some dogs will roll in grass to scratch an itch or simply have a bit of fun. Therefore, if your dog likes to roll in grass, this is completely normal behavior. It won’t cause any real harm and should not be discouraged.
However, depending on the situation, you may need to ignore or redirect the rolling in grass behavior. For example, if your dog is rolling in grass and destroying your carefully tended yard while you’re at work, you can try to keep your dog busy with other activities while you’re away.
Also, if your dog loves to roll in grass, you should stay on top of effective flea and tick prevention.
Another thing to keep in mind is that grass treated with pesticides may be harmful to your dog, in that it could potentially cause skin allergies or other health issues.
As mentioned above, rolling in grass is normal behavior and does not need to be prohibited. However, if your dog is rolling in grass excessively, you should schedule a vet visit to rule out skin allergies, fleas, ticks, or other causes. If the vet gives you the all-clear, use positive reinforcement training to discourage the behavior. This means rewarding your dog with a treat every time they comply with a command to not roll in grass.
03 December, 2022