Cat Facts
Why do dogs roll in the grass? 6 reasons verified by veterinarian | Pangovet
Most dogs love a good roll in the grass when they leave their walks. A minute are jogging without problems, and the next have seen something interesting and take off to start moving on their backs.
While it is a completely normal behavior that dogs roll in the grass, as a pet father, you may worry about what they are doing, and more than a bit off if they are rolling in something unpleasant.
There are numerous reasons for your dog to throw in the grass, the most common is that it feels good. The texture of the grass is bristle and provides the perfect scratch material, which gives relief and relaxation. However, they could be rubbing their bodies in something toxic or unpleasant, there could be something particularly itching, or they could be allergic to the grass and this rubbing will make things worse, in which case the activity must stop.
Keep reading to better understand why your dog is rolling in the grass and if it is a problem.
The 6 main reasons why dogs roll in the grass
1. Masking his aroma
The grass contains many smells formed by the grass itself and its surrounding environment. Research on this subject suggests that a reason why dogs boast in it is to cover up their own aroma with that of grass and land.1 This is a setback to a survival instinct that would have helped its wild ancestors to avoid predators or rivals, or sneak into the dam.
2. Covering a smell
On the other hand of masking their aroma with another aroma to protect against unwanted, they also roll in the grass to eliminate unwanted odors that inflict them. For example, shampoos and aerosols smell well, but the nose and olfactory system of a dog are much more powerful than those of any human. This type of products can be offensive or annoying for them. A good roll in the grass solves this problem.
3. Relieve a itching
A good and delicious grass patch for a dog is like the equivalent of a loofá and a fast massage for humans. Dogs often have itching or tight spots that simply cannot reach with their legs. A decent roll on the back and the sides helps scratch the itching, which relieves like this.
4. Skin conditions
If your dog has a dermatology problem, then rolling in the grass will become more intense, frequent and long. The more minced and more irritated they feel their dog’s skin, the more they will roll with itching and try to find relief. If you notice this pattern, make your veterinarian review them, since a complaint or allergy of the underlying skin could be the cause of excessive rolling. Rolling in the grass due to allergies is generally accompanied by other signs, such as red or irritated skin, hair loss or hair thinning, hives or sneezing. The problem is that they are often reacting to the grass, so when scratching that itching, things are getting worse!
5. Communication (marked territory)
Dogs, especially men, like to mark their territory to express their presence to other dogs. Dogs communicate through the smell, and it is likely to be familiar with urine marking: when dogs mark multiple areas with small amounts of urine. A route for dogs to leave their aroma or collect the aroma of another canine that was there before they is to roll and rub their backs in that area. They also exhibit this same behavior in their beds or toys at home, as well as outside on their backyard or in patches or places of random grass in the park or forest.
6. Relaxation
Many times, your dog loves how it feels to roll outdoors! The rough surface of the grass is therapeutic and relaxing. If you look at your dog’s behavior and actions, you will see them rub and roll gently on their backs and, in general, look happy. This is because, well, they are! They feel safe, cheerful and safe, and who does not want to celebrate and enjoy that?
Conclusion
For the most part, shooting in the grass is a nice behavior of your dog. He is gratifying as an owner to see his happy dog and enjoy life. It is your choice, of course, if you let them do this, because, sometimes, in what they are rolling it is smelly and unpleasant (for us) but delicious for them. In these cases, a bathroom to remove the stench once the home is needed, and for this reason, you may want to finish or redirect the behavior.
Having a good retreat is an excellent way to prevent your dog from participating in the activity. If you are concerned that your dog has shot something toxic or dangerous, communicate with your veterinarian to obtain advice.
Outstanding Image Credit: Rindog Photography, Shuttersock