What can I use to wash fox poo off my dog?
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Overview
The safest thing to use is lukewarm water and a gentle dog shampoo. If the smell is strong or the poo has dried into the coat, you may need to rinse first, then wash more than once. Avoid human shampoo, bleach, disinfectant, washing-up liquid, and strong fragranced products, as these can irritate your dog’s skin.
Fox poo is usually a grooming and hygiene problem rather than a medical one, but it’s still worth checking your dog’s skin, ears, eyes, mouth and coat afterwards, especially if they’ve rolled in it heavily or tried to lick it off.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the mess is only on the coat or whether it has reached the skin, ears, face, or paws.
2. Look closely for redness, soreness, broken skin, scabs, discharge, or areas that feel hot.
3. See if your dog has been licking, rubbing, scratching, or shaking their head more than usual.
4. Check whether the poo is fresh and soft or dried and stuck, as this changes how much rinsing you’ll need.
5. Notice if the smell is mainly on the coat or if your dog still smells after a thorough wash, which can suggest residue is left in the undercoat.
6. Look for any signs that your dog may have eaten some of it, such as drooling, vomiting, or appearing unsettled.
7. Check the bath area, towels, and any bedding they’ve used, so you can clean up the smell before it spreads.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple rolling behaviour. Many dogs are drawn to strong smells and will roll in fox poo, sometimes very quickly.
Sometimes the issue is worse in dogs with longer or thicker coats, because the poo can cling to the hair and sit close to the skin.
Less commonly, a dog may also be trying to mask a scent, get attention, or react to something in the environment, but the behaviour itself is usually the main issue rather than a health problem.
What To Do
Start by removing any solid material carefully with gloves or paper towels before you wet the coat. Rinse with lukewarm water first if the poo is dry, then use a gentle dog shampoo if needed, following the label instructions.
Work from the cleanest area towards the dirtiest to avoid spreading the mess. Pay extra attention to the underside, tail, legs, and any feathering or long coat areas where residue can hide.
Dry your dog thoroughly afterwards, especially in cooler weather. If the smell is still there, a second wash later the same day may help more than scrubbing harder in one go.
If your dog rolled in fox poo more than once, it can help to keep an eye on where it happened and whether they were off-lead, as some dogs learn the habit and repeat it in the same type of spot.
If your dog licked a lot of it off, or seems unwell afterwards, it’s sensible to ring your vet for advice.
Related Questions
Can I use human shampoo on my dog after fox poo?
How do I get fox poo smell out of a dog’s coat?
Should I worry if my dog ate fox poo?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.