What should I do if my dog rolled in fox poo? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has rolled in fox poo, the main thing is to get them cleaned up as soon as you can and then check their skin, coat and behaviour afterwards. Most of the time this is just a foul-smelling grooming problem, but it can sometimes leave irritation, an upset stomach if they lick themselves, or a strong smell that needs a proper wash.

Things To Check

1. Check how much of your dog is affected, especially the neck, shoulders, back and face.

2. Look for any redness, soreness, broken skin or a rash under the dirty areas.

3. Smell the coat to see whether it is just surface dirt or if the smell has soaked right through to the skin.

4. Check whether your dog has rubbed their face, licked themselves a lot, or seems bothered by the smell or feel of the coat.

5. Keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhoea or a reduced appetite later on, especially if they may have licked or eaten some of it.

6. Look for signs of fleas, ticks or other debris picked up while they were rolling outdoors.

7. Check whether the coat is matted or sticky, because that can trap dirt and smell even after a quick rinse.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple behaviour. Many dogs enjoy rolling in strong smells, even though it makes no sense to us.

Sometimes they are trying to mask their own scent or reacting to an interesting smell left behind by wildlife.

Less commonly, the roll can leave the skin irritated if the poo is stuck on for a while, especially in dogs with sensitive skin or a thick coat.

If your dog has licked a lot of it off, a mild tummy upset can sometimes follow.

What To Do

Get your dog away from the area first so they do not roll again. If the mess is fresh, try to remove as much as you can outdoors before bringing them inside.

Use lukewarm water and a dog-friendly shampoo or wash to clean the coat thoroughly, working from the cleanest areas towards the dirtiest. Rinse well so no residue is left behind.

If the smell is still lingering, a second wash may help, but avoid over-washing if the skin looks sensitive. Dry your dog well afterwards, especially if they have a thick coat.

Wash any bedding, harnesses or blankets that may have picked up the smell. If your dog seems unsettled afterwards, watch them for the rest of the day and offer fresh water as normal.

If your dog keeps rolling in strong-smelling things, a repeat of the same routine and a bit more supervision outdoors can help reduce the mess next time.

Products That May Help

Cleaning up after a fox poo roll is much easier when you have suitable grooming and wash-care basics to hand. This collection may help support your usual wash routine and general coat care.

Pet Care

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