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Why Do Dogs Roll on Their Backs?

Dogs do a lot of things that seem mysterious or illogical to us. But there is usually a good reason why our four-legged friends do what they do. Today we’re decoding a common dog behavior – rolling on their backs. Please keep reading to find out why dogs roll on their backs, when it could be a problem, and how to discourage it.

Is it normal for dogs to roll on their backs?

It is normal for dogs to roll in grass when outdoors and on the carpet when indoors, provided it is occasional. Dogs roll on their backs for various reasons (described below). However, it is not normal if your dog rolls on his or her back very frequently. There could be something going on and you should dig further.

What does it mean when my dog rolls on his back?

Here are some possible reasons your dog rolls on his or her back:

Scratching an itch

This is the simplest explanation. Dogs roll on their backs to scratch an itch in a place they can’t reach with a paw. This is harmless and should not be discouraged. But if you dog rolls on her back outdoors in grass, for example, make sure it is safe. Some herbicides and pesticides are poisonous for dogs and can cause serious health problems.

Playing

Sometimes, dogs will roll onto their back during play. This body position indicates friendliness and trust because it puts your dog in a vulnerable position. If you notice a relaxed body language when your dog is rolling on his back, it’s probably just out of playfulness.

Submissive behavior

Less commonly, dogs will roll on their backs as an act of submission. They might do this out of fear or to diffuse aggression from another dog. Rolling on the back can have several meanings. It is important to correlate the behavior to the context and your dog’s overall body language.

Covering up their scent

When dogs were wild animals, they would roll on the ground to mask their scent with whatever was around. This included rolling in strong smelling things like another animal’s poop. It was a way for dogs to mask their own scent and protect themselves from predators.

Picking up a scent

Dogs also roll on their backs to pick up scents from their environment. If another dog or animal has urinated or defecated in an area, dogs will sometimes roll on their back in that area to pick up the scent. Remember, a dog’s sense of smell is significantly more developed than humans. Also, dogs use smell to communicate more than we do. Again, this behavior is a remnant from a dog’s ancestors who would roll on their backs to pick up various scents, which allowed them to get closer to their prey without being detected.

Why do dogs roll on their backs and wiggle?

Dogs roll on their backs and wiggle to scratch an itch or when they are happy and playful.

What do dogs roll on their backs in grass?

As mentioned above, a dog rolls in grass usually to scratch an itch, mask their own scent, or pick up the scent of another animal. If your dog regularly rolls on her back in grass, make sure to use effective flea and tick prevention. Also, learn to recognize what flea bites look like so you can get prompt treatment in case of an infestation.

What do dogs roll on their backs on carpet?

Dogs roll on their backs on carpet if they’re itchy. They also do it to pick up a new scent and disguise their own scent. This behavior harks back to when dogs lived in the wild and were both hunters and prey.

Why does my dog lay on his back with his legs open?

Dogs sometimes sleep on their back with their legs in the air if they are hot. This is a way to keep cool by allowing air to flow over the belly. Dogs will only sleep on their back when they’re comfortable and in a trusted environment.

Should I stop my dog from rolling on his back?

If your dog rolls on his back occasionally and generally appears happy when he’s doing it, then it won’t cause any harm and you can safely ignore it.

On the other hand, if your dog is in the habit of rolling in dead animals or other unsanitary things, it’s a good idea to discourage the behavior through redirection and positive reinforcement training.

If your dog is rolling on her back very frequently, you should consider the possibility of health issues. Various conditions can cause this behavior to get relief from symptoms like itchiness, for example, skin infections, allergies, or flea bites. If this is the case, make an appointment with your vet who can figure out what’s going on and treat it appropriately.

16 January, 2023