If you own or have cared for a dog, chances are you’ve seen one enjoy a nice, loooong roll in the grass. But why do dogs roll in grass? And is it safe? Here’s what you should know:
Why Do Dogs Roll in Grass?
There can be many reasons why a dog rolls in grass, but here are some of the most common:
They’re trying to get rid of that scented shampoo you inflicted on them. Let’s face it – what smells good to you may not smell good to your dog (unless it’s bacon). There’s nothing like an enthusiastic roll through some goose poop to neutralize that freesia-jasmine-vanilla concoction that is overwhelming your dog’s olfactory center. If your dog always rolls in the grass right after a bath, you might want to switch to an unscented shampoo.
They’re itchy. There’s a difference between rolling for the joy of it and rolling to alleviate a persistent itch caused by allergies, dry skin or a flea/tick infestation. If the rolling is a common occurrence (in the grass or at home on the rugs), take your pup to the vet to make sure there’s not an underlying cause.
They’re obsessing. Occasional rolling is normal; obsessive rolling is not. If your dog is constantly rolling in grass, replace that behavior with some fun distractions (like agility training or scent walks) and recall commands. If the behavior continues without any underlying physical cause, talk to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Grass
Rolling in the grass in and of itself is not a bad thing, but what’s on the grass can be. Fleas, ticks, parasites, bacteria and pesticides can all be lurking, and you don’t want your dog – or anyone in your family – to get infected or ingest any of these things. Make sure to wipe off paws and coat before going back into the house, and keep an eye on the behavior. As always, take your dog to the vet if you suspect anything is amiss either mentally or physically.