Many dog owners, especially new ones, are perplexed why their clean pet is always rolling around in dirt and other animals' excrement outside. People try to scold the animal or physically punish it, but this is wrong, as there is an explanation for the dog's behavior.
Ancient predatory instinct
The main reason a dog rolls in the mud is an ancient predatory instinct. Animals recognize each other and the location of food only by smell and sound. Wolves have long learned to mask their scent so that prey cannot detect their approach. They would try to smear themselves in the waste of their prey, which, unsuspecting, would then easily fall into their clutches.
Dogs are descendants of ancient wolves, so they retain their instincts. Hunting breeds are particularly prone to rolling in the mud, as they have more highly developed hunting skills.
The only way to combat this instinct in dogs is to avoid garbage dumps and public dog walks, where they might encounter large quantities of their fellow dogs' excrement or smelly slop. However, it's unlikely that you'll be able to completely stop a dog from rolling on the ground.
Changing shampoo
If your dog has always been a clean freak and suddenly starts rolling around in the dirt, the dog shampoo could be to blame, especially if you've recently changed it. Animals are more sensitive to strong odors; their sense of smell is very different from ours, so what's pleasant to humans can be terrifying to a dog.
Shampoos often contain strong fragrances that linger on a dog's coat for a long time after washing. Therefore, the dog will actively try to get rid of the scent by rolling in dirt and other pleasant smelling places. Unnatural, irritating odors can not only trigger a dog's desire to eliminate the scent but also lead to mental disorders, aggression, and stress.
The problem of changing shampoo is very simple and can be solved by simply replacing it with the previous one or with cosmetics without fragrances.
Rolling in the mud may be an attempt to get rid of parasites
Another cause of this behavior is fleas and other bloodsuckers. Dogs rub against the ground to relieve the itching caused by parasite bites. Therefore, the dog should be checked for these parasites and help relieve the pain.
The following medications are suitable for this:
- Sprays – Bars, Frontline, Beaphar, Beaphar. Spray the animal outdoors or in a large room with open windows. Small children, who often put their hands in their mouths, should not touch the dog's fur for 24 hours. Also, do not allow the dog to sleep in the bed during this period.
- Drops – Irbis Forte, Natural Defense, Doctor VIC BIO, Barrier. Not all drop forms are safe for dogs, so it's best to consult a veterinarian before purchasing any medication.
- Bars and Lugovoy shampoo. Can be used for both treatment and prevention.
- A collar is a safe accessory that won't cause discomfort to your dog while effectively repelling fleas and ticks. It's important to change the collar as often as the manufacturer recommends, otherwise it will lose its effectiveness.
If the veterinarian has confirmed a parasitic infestation in your dog, then in parallel with treatment, a general cleaning of the house should be done.
How to distract your pet from such activities
It's important to quickly identify the cause of rolling in the dirt and eliminate it, or simply distract your pet from it during walks, as at home, they'll often crawl into your owner's bed. This is dangerous, as dirt contains not only fleas but also harmful bacteria.
The most obvious way is to distract your pet with active games and physical exercise suitable for the given dog breed.
You also need to try:
- bathe your animal more often using preventative shampoos;
- comb out wool;
- Walk your dog on a leash away from the garbage dump.
By following these recommendations, your dog will stop constantly rolling in the mud, ridding itself of annoying odors or parasites. And for hunting breeds, regular exercise is essential to help them burn off pent-up energy.
