Why does my dog keep rolling in fox poo in the garden? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Most dogs roll in fox poo because they find the smell fascinating, or because it feels like a natural scent-marking behaviour. It’s unpleasant for us, but it’s usually more of a messy grooming problem than a medical one. There are a few possible reasons, so it’s worth checking for any skin irritation, discomfort or changes in behaviour.

Things To Check

1. Check when it’s happening. If your dog rolls in fox poo after being let into the garden, it may simply be a habit or a chance they’re taking when unsupervised.

2. Look for signs of skin irritation, such as redness, soreness, broken skin, scabs or an unusual smell that isn’t just the fox poo itself.

3. Notice whether they seem especially interested in strong smells in general, which can point to normal scent-driven behaviour.

4. Check whether there’s any sign they’re rubbing because something feels uncomfortable, such as itching, fleas, or debris in the coat.

5. Think about whether the garden may have fox visits, droppings or other scent markers your dog keeps returning to.

6. See whether the behaviour happens more with boredom or excitement, especially if they have lots of unsupervised time outside.

7. Look at whether the coat is muddy, matted or carrying old smells, as some dogs seem drawn to dirty patches on their own fur.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simply that fox poo smells interesting to dogs. Many dogs are drawn to strong, unusual smells and will roll in them as part of normal canine behaviour.

Some dogs also seem to enjoy scent masking, which means they roll in pungent smells and then carry that scent on their coat.

In other cases, it may be linked to boredom, excitement or habit, especially if the garden is a place where they’ve done it before.

Less commonly, a dog may be rolling because their skin feels itchy or uncomfortable and they’re trying to scratch or soothe themselves.

What To Do

Try to limit access to areas where fox poo has been left, and remove droppings promptly if you spot them. Supervise garden time for a while so you can interrupt the behaviour before it becomes a habit.

If your dog has rolled in fox poo, wash the affected coat area as soon as practical with a dog-safe grooming product and plenty of clean water. Pay attention to paws, belly, neck and face, since these areas often pick up the most mess.

If the behaviour keeps happening, try giving your dog something else to do in the garden, like supervised sniffing, play or a short walk on lead before letting them out.

If you notice any skin irritation, repeated scratching or a strong lingering smell that doesn’t shift with normal grooming, it’s worth keeping an eye on things and getting advice if it continues.

Products That May Help

A dog grooming and care range can be useful for routine washing, coat cleaning and general hygiene after messy outdoor habits like rolling in fox poo.

Pet Care

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