Why Do Dogs Like To Roll Around In The Grass?
Have you ever asked yourself why dogs love to roll around in the grass ? Sometimes it seems like they just enjoy it. And then there are moments when they are obviously trying to rub something off of themselves.
Zoo keepers and behavioral experts suggest that this behavior may be related to hereditary factors. According to researchers at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana, wolves wallow in the smells they find interesting.
Upon their return, they are greeted by their pack. During this greeting, the other wolves sniff the animal very carefully. But in addition to the genetic lineage of dogs, there are many other reasons why it is so much in the grass roll .
In today’s article, we’ll tell you some of the most common reasons.
Dogs roll around in the grass to remove pesky things from their fur
Dogs wallowing in the grass likely serve a variety of different reasons. For example , they can remove uncomfortable dirt and dust that makes them itchy by rolling around their fur. Dirt, bird droppings, leaves and other substances can easily get stuck in the fur. And this can get quite annoying for your dog.
However, if dogs wallowing, it can also be an indication of a health problem. Allergies, flea bites or ticks also cause uncomfortable itching and pain.
If you suspect that the behavior has such a cause, you should see a veterinarian to be on the safe side. In addition, you should always treat your dog prophylactically with tick and flea protection.
A means of spreading your own smell
Another trigger for this specific behavior of your dog could be that he has smelled a special smell on a certain patch of grass. Some predators like to surround themselves with certain smells, forgetting that dogs are naturally hunters too.
Researchers suspect that the new scent helps the predator hide its own scent from its prey. For example, a wolf or coyote might wallow on a tuft of grass that a rabbit has recently been sitting on.
In this way the hunter can mask his own body odor with that of his prey. Researchers believe that this behavior enables wolves and coyotes to stalk closer to their prey. And this guarantees a more successful hunt.
Dogs’ excellent sense of smell
A study comparing the olfactory abilities of humans and animals supports the assumption that some mammals, such as rats and dogs, are significantly more sensitive to smells than humans. In addition, they can differentiate between different odor intensities much better.
Studies comparing dogs and humans by the same researchers confirm the assumption that dogs are much more sensitive to smell than humans. For example, in 1984 Krestel et al. reports that dogs (beagles) are nearly 300 times more sensitive to certain smells than humans.
Dogs wallow in the grass: Relaxation or irritated skin?
Finally, your dog may enjoy rolling around in the grass because it feels good. What could be nicer than a soft patch of grass where you can stretch out and at the same time scratch your back with relish in the warm sun?
Just watch how relaxed or intense your dog is while rolling around in the grass. If your dog is slowly and happily rolling from side to side and stretching his legs up, this is a sure sign that he is emotionally and mentally healthy.
The intensity and force with which dogs rub their snout, neck, or back could indicate that they are cleaning their fur or responding to a particular smell.
However, if you observe that your dog’s behavior is extremely intense and noticeable, repetitive or persistent for a long time, then you should contact a veterinarian. This could be an indication that your dog may have a skin condition that is causing him discomfort.
