When is fox poo a hygiene problem for my dog?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Fox poo is a hygiene problem for your dog as soon as they’ve rolled in it, got it on their coat or paws, or started to smell strongly of it. It’s usually a cleaning and odour issue first, although it can also irritate the skin or coat if it’s left there. In most cases, you’re looking at a routine wash and a close check rather than an emergency.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the smell is just on the coat or whether your dog has actually got visible poo on the fur, paws, legs or around the tail.

2. Look closely for redness, soreness, matting, damp patches, scabs or broken skin where the poo has touched.

3. Check the ears, face and mouth if your dog has rolled fully, as these areas can pick up dirt quickly.

4. Notice whether your dog is licking, rubbing, scratching or seeming bothered by the area after the incident.

5. Smell the coat once it’s dry, as odour can sometimes remain even when the fur looks clean.

6. Check whether the mess is on a long or thick coat, since this can hold dirt and make grooming more difficult.

7. Think about where it happened, especially if it was in wet grass, mud or dense cover, as that can make the coat harder to clean.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple rolling in fox poo during a walk or garden time. Dogs often find the smell attractive, then rub it into the coat before the owner can stop them.

It can also be a hygiene issue if poo has got trapped in longer fur, on muddy paws, or around the rear end and has started to cling to the skin or coat.

Less commonly, a dirty or irritated patch of skin may make your dog more likely to lick or rub after getting muck on them, which can make the area look worse.

What To Do

If the poo is fresh, prevent your dog from rubbing it further and remove any obvious material from the coat as soon as you can.

Wash the affected areas thoroughly with pet-safe grooming products and warm water, then rinse well so nothing is left sitting on the skin or coat.

Dry the coat properly, especially in thick fur, and comb through once it’s clean to check for anything you may have missed.

Keep an eye on the skin over the next day or two. If the area becomes red, sore, swollen, smelly or your dog keeps licking it, it may need a vet check.

For long-haired dogs, regular grooming and a quick check after walks can make it easier to spot dirt before it spreads through the coat.

Products That May Help

If your dog has rolled in fox poo, kept-up coat and skin hygiene can make cleanup easier and more comfortable for everyone. This collection may help support your usual washing and grooming routine.

Pet Care

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