You may have noticed that your dog has a road kill smell after laying around on the grass.
Even though it is gross, some dogs love to roll around dead animals.
You can find several reasons why your dog rolls in things that are disgusting, like dead or rotten animals or poop.
They can mask their own scent
The most common theory suggests that, like their wolf-like ancestors, dogs roll around with a powerful scent to cover their scent. They can then sneak up more quickly on their prey.
It is unclear whether your dog understands the reason for their behavior. It could just be a natural instinct they’ve inherited from their ancestors.
Dogs Showing Off to Each Other
A second theory suggests that the dogs want to attract other canines to their scent to prove that they’ve found food. It may also be to alert their “pack”, so that they all can go hunting together, to a tasty prey. The wolf-like ancestors of dogs hunted together for food.
Leave Your Own Scent
Not only do dogs leave behind their scent in their urine and feces, but they also rub against or on things. It can also be done by rubbing on or against things, such as a dead creature. When they leave their scent, other dogs know that this is their territory or property. This animal is theirs, and they want to make sure that other dogs don’t take it.
The Smell is a Big Hit
Some dogs will be attracted by smells people dislike. The stronger the scent, the better they will like it. It could be that your dog is rolling on the ground because of a strong scent.
What to do if your dog is rolling on dead animals?
You can prevent your dog from rolling over dead animals by taking a few simple steps.
- Train your dog to walk on a leash. It may be necessary to have your dog leashed or to use a short-length lead so that they do not have the opportunity to discover dead animals, garbage, or poop to play in.
- Fence in your yard. Your dog will be able to roam free in your fenced-in yard without having to worry that they’ll find roadkill. Check your yard for any animals, poisonous plants or smelly hazards. Always clean up any poop as soon as possible so that your dog doesn’t get tempted to roll it in.
- The recall is important. If your dog can recall (come back to you when called), it’s easier for you not to let them roll in dead animals or unsavory objects. When teaching your dog tricks, commands, or appropriate behavior, use Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT).
What to do if your dog’s fur smells of dead animals?
You should bathe your pet as soon as possible! Even if you have to wash them outside, try it first. Use Dawn dish soap as shampoo.
You can stock up on Dog-Safe Shampoo such as Burt’s Bees Oatmeal shampoo or Buddy wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Conditioner & Shampoo.s
You may need to wash your dog several times before the smell is completely removed. Bathing your dog frequently may be damaging to its skin and hair. It takes time for their skin to develop its natural oils.
Baking soda can be used on your dog as a drying shampoo between baths to remove the smell. Allow the baking soda to sit on your pet’s coat for 5 minutes and then remove it with a brush. Let them shake out any baking soda that remains or wipe it away with a towel.