Why Do Dogs Roll in Dead Animals

Why do dogs roll in dead animals? Do you wanna know why dogs roll in dead animals? If your answer is yes, then this article is for you.

Why do dogs roll in dead animals – as filthy as this may sound, there are dogs that love to roll on dead smelly animals or even their poop. But is this a natural thing for dogs or is it just a naughty behavior you will find out in this article.

There are many reasons why your dog will choose to roll on dead animals or poop. It may be because of its natural instinct and not a health issue.

If you notice your dog always displaying this behavior and you want to know why dogs like rolling in dead smelly animals remain, then we are here to help you.

Why do dogs roll in dead animals and Poop?

Here, you will see the reason why Dogs Roll in Dead Animals. However, Dogs sniffing or rolling in dead animal remains is a natural instinct to them pass down from generation to. There are few famous theories satisfying this particular behavior.

Most animal experts think that this behavior is gotten from the dog’s ancient ancestor the wolf.

The wolves are known to roll around smelly stuff and dead animals to mask their scent on a hunt. So, experts concluded that this instinct is also found in dogs even domesticated ones.

You can also, read the article; Is Lemon Grass Safe For Dogs? & How to Measure a Dog For A Harness to understand this part of questionable doubt.

Why do dogs roll in dead animals and Poop
Why do dogs roll in dead animals and Poop

Reasons Dogs like to Roll in Dead Animal Remains

This section of the article explained to the reader the Reasons Dogs like to Roll in Dead Animals. Study and take these into cognizance.

Pass Information

Another famous theory is that dos like rolling on dead animal remains in order to pass the information to their canines that it has found something.

They will roll their backs on the dead animal carcass in order to carry the scents to their canine friends. This is a sign to signal other dogs that they have found something interesting.

He is Having Fun

If your dog is always fond of rolling in dead animal remains and wriggling its tail, it may just be because it is having fun.

The rolling behavior in dogs is a natural behavioral pattern and it brings them pleasure like when Dog Licks Other Dogs Ears.

Scent Marking

Dogs also roll on the dead animal carcasses to scent mark the carcass. This is a way to publicly claim that the dead animal belongs to him and keep other pets away.

How to Prevent Dogs from Scratching and Rolling in dead animals

To prevent Dogs from Rolling in Dead animals or to stop why Dogs Roll in Dead Animals? First of all, you need to accept that this is likely part of a dog’s natural behavior. A dog will choose to roll on the ground or dead things for multiple of reasons.

Most times, it is just to play around and it may just find itself digging in poop and dead animals. However, if you don’t like this behavior at all, you can help them to stop digging in poop and dead animals. Check out our preventive method below.

  • Start Basic obedience training: basic obedience training will help put your canine friend in check. For instance, when you notice they are about to leave your presence to go dig on dead things, you can use basic commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stop’, ‘come’ etc. giving your dog basic obedience training will help put them in check from unhealthy behavior.
  • Remove them from affected areas: One of the best ways to prevent dogs from feeding on dead animals is to completely remove them from the affected area. Always ensure that your dog’s environment is neat and without dead carcasses. Also, clean the area once you notice any sign of poop even if is your dog’s poop.
  • Mental and Physical Stimulation: this is another method that is great to prevent dogs from digging on dead carcasses or poop. Remove your dog completely from dirty areas with dead remains. You can buy your dog pet toys to keep them busy. This will in turn help in stimulating their minds and keep their attention away from dirty behavior.

Why do dogs like Rolling in dead animals?

There are many reasons why Dogs Roll in Dead Animal carcasses. Rolling is a dog’s natural trait. Dogs love to dig, run in circles and also roll.

This is also similar to our recent article; Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass? Some Amazing Facts 2024.

This is a natural trait and nothing to worry about. But if you have noticed that your dog loves to roll in dead animals or poop, then you have to take preventive measures to stop them because this act can be disgusting.

Go through our 3 effective methods on how to stop dogs from rolling in dead animal remains above.

However, in case your pet is sick, we advocate you converse with a vet ASAP.

JustAnswer means that you can discuss in real-time with veterinary consultants for a small price.

Dogs from Scratching and Rolling in dead animals
Dogs from Scratching and Rolling in dead animals

What do I do if my dog rolls in a dead animal or poops?

If you notice a foul smell coming from your dog, it most likely is because they have rolled themselves in poop or dead remains. Here is what you can do to make your canine smell nice again.

  • Thorough brushing of their body.
  • Use nice scenting Shampoo to bathe them.
  • Let the Soapy shampoo sink into their furs.
  • Rinse their fur thoroughly.
  • Apply Hydrogen peroxide mix
  • Lastly, use a nice dog fragrance to help them smell nice again.

Is it bad for my Dog to Roll in dead animals?

This is not entirely bad because it is a dog’s natural trait as we mentioned before. But this is a disgusting and smelly act. As a pet owner, you will not like to see your dog munching on its feaces or a dead rat.

It can make you disgusted. So, you will have to stop your dog from such nasty behavior. One thing to do is to remove them from such areas. Always ensure that their spot and around the house is always clean and void of dead animal remains.

Scroll to Top