What should I check after my dog rolls in fox poo? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has rolled in fox poo, the main things to check are their skin, coat, eyes, mouth and any areas where the mess may have rubbed in. In most cases it’s a hygiene issue rather than an emergency, but it’s worth watching for skin irritation, tummy upset or anything that seems unusual after you’ve cleaned them up.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the rolling happened just once or if your dog has been trying to rub themselves in the same place more than usual.

2. Look closely at the coat and skin for redness, soreness, broken skin, scabs, swelling or any damp patches that haven’t dried properly.

3. Check the face, ears and around the eyes for any visible mess, irritation or signs that your dog has rubbed the area.

4. Make sure your dog hasn’t licked a lot of the fox poo off, especially if they seem likely to have swallowed some.

5. Notice whether your dog seems uncomfortable, itchy, unusually restless or sensitive when you touch the area.

6. Keep an eye on their stools, appetite and energy levels over the next day or two.

7. Check your home, bedding and collars or harnesses for any lingering smell or contamination that may need cleaning.

Common Causes

The most common reason a dog rolls in fox poo is simple scent behaviour. Many dogs are drawn to strong smells and enjoy masking their own scent, even though owners definitely don’t.

Sometimes the rolling can leave the skin damp or irritated, especially if the poo has been left on the coat for a while or the dog already has sensitive skin.

Less commonly, a dog may roll or rub because they’re itchy, uncomfortable or trying to soothe an irritated patch. If it keeps happening, that can point to an underlying skin issue rather than just a one-off dirty walk.

What To Do

Wash your dog as soon as you can, using warm water and a dog-safe shampoo if needed, then rinse thoroughly so nothing is left in the coat. Pay extra attention to long fur, the belly, legs, tail and any folds of skin.

If your dog has got mess near their eyes, mouth or ears, clean those areas gently and avoid getting water or shampoo inside them. Dry them well afterwards so the coat doesn’t stay damp.

After cleaning, monitor your dog for a day or two for any signs of skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea or general unwellness. If the smell is strong, wash bedding, towels, harnesses and any fabrics they’ve touched.

If your dog is a repeat fox-poo roller, it can help to keep them on lead in known hotspots and interrupt the behaviour early before they have time to settle into it.

Products That May Help

For a messy coat, a gentle wash can be useful as part of your normal grooming routine and may help you clean your dog thoroughly without being too harsh on the skin.

Pet Care

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