Why is my dog trying to eat fox poo on walks? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog is trying to eat fox poo on walks, the most common reason is simply that it smells interesting to them. Fox faeces can hold strong scent markers from diet, territory and other animals, so plenty of dogs are attracted to it, even if it seems unpleasant to us. It can also be part of normal scavenging or curious behaviour, although sometimes a dog may be drawn to unusual smells because of hunger, boredom or habit.
Things To Check
1. Check whether it happens in the same places, such as paths, woods, hedgerows or grassy areas where foxes are active.
2. Look at when it happens. Some dogs are more likely to investigate poo when they’re off lead, excited, tired or moving too quickly for you to interrupt.
3. Notice whether your dog is trying to eat it or mainly rolling in it, since the behaviour can look similar but the motivation may differ.
4. Check whether your dog seems extra hungry, very food focused or unusually scavenging on walks.
5. Look for signs of skin irritation, sore patches or itchy areas that might make rolling and rubbing more likely.
6. Check whether your dog’s harness, collar or coat is rubbing, as some dogs react to discomfort by trying to rub on strong smells.
7. Think about whether the habit started recently or has been going on for a long time, as a sudden change can be worth mentioning to your vet if other signs are also present.
Common Causes
The most common cause is plain curiosity and scent attraction. Fox poo carries a strong smell that many dogs find appealing, even though owners understandably don’t.
Some dogs do it out of habit. If the behaviour has worked for them before, they may keep returning to the same spots.
Boredom, overexcitement or not getting enough mental stimulation can also make a dog more likely to investigate smelly things on walks.
Less commonly, increased scavenging can be linked with hunger, diet changes or general discomfort, including skin irritation that makes a dog more likely to rub or roll.
What To Do
Try to interrupt early if you can, before your dog reaches the poo. A calm recall, lead change or simple distraction with a known cue often works better than waiting until they’re already in it.
Keep walks moving in high-risk areas and avoid letting your dog linger where fox droppings are likely to be found.
If your dog is off lead, practise a reliable leave it cue in lower-distraction places first. That usually helps more than trying to train it only when fox poo is present.
If your dog has already rolled in or eaten something smelly, wash the affected coat area as soon as you can with a gentle dog-friendly shampoo and rinse thoroughly. That can help remove residue and reduce the urge to keep investigating the smell.
It also helps to review your dog’s routine. More exercise, sniffing opportunities and training games at home may reduce scavenging in some dogs.
Products That May Help
If your dog is prone to rolling in strong smells or getting messy on walks, a gentle washing routine can be useful as part of your clean-up and coat care plan.
Related Questions
Why does my dog roll in fox poo?
How do I stop my dog eating things on walks?
Should I wash my dog after rolling in something smelly?
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.