Most dogs love a good roll around in the grass when out on their walks. One minute they are trotting along without issue, and the next they’ve spotted something interesting and take off to start wiggling around on their backs.
While it is completely normal behavior for dogs to roll in the grass, as their pet parent, you might be worried about why they’re doing it, and more than a little put out if they’re rolling in something unpleasant.
There are numerous reasons for your dog to roll in the grass, the most common being that it just feels good. The texture of the grass is bristly and provides the perfect scratching material, giving relief and relaxation. However, they could be rubbing their bodies on something toxic or disgusting, there could be something making them particularly itchy, or they might be allergic to grass and this rubbing is going to make matters worse, in which case the activity needs to be stopped.
Read on to get a better understanding of why your dog is rolling in the grass, and whether it is a problem.
The 6 Main Reasons Why Dogs Roll in the Grass
1. Masking Their Scent
Grass holds many smells made up of the grass itself and its surrounding environment. Investigations into this topic suggest one reason dogs romp about in it is to cover up their own scent with that from the grass and ground.1 This is a throwback to a survival instinct that would have helped their wild ancestors avoid predators or rivals, or sneak up on prey.
2. Covering Up a Smell
On the flip side of masking their scent with another scent to protect themselves against the unwanted, they also roll in the grass to remove unwanted smells inflicted upon them. For example, shampoos and sprays smell good to us, but a dog’s nose and olfactory system are far more powerful than any human’s. These kinds of products can be offensive or upsetting to them. A good roll in the grass solves this problem.
3. Relieving an Itch
A good and luscious grass patch to a dog is like the equivalent of a loofah and a quick massage to us humans. Dogs often have itchy or tight spots they simply can’t reach with their paws. A decent roll on their back and sides helps to scratch the itch, thus giving relief.
4. Skin Conditions
If your dog has a dermatology issue, then rolling in the grass will become more intense, frequent, and lengthy. The itchier and more irritated the skin feels to your dog, the more they will roll to itch and try to find relief. If you notice this pattern, have your veterinarian check them out, as an underlying skin complaint or allergy could be the cause of the excessive rolling. Rolling in the grass due to allergies is usually accompanied by other signs, such as red or irritated skin, hair loss or hair thinning, hives, or sneezing. The trouble is, they are often also reacting to the grass, so by scratching that itch, they are making things worse!
5. Communication (Marking Territory)
Dogs, especially males, like to mark their territory to state their presence to other dogs. Dogs communicate through scent, and you are likely familiar with urine marking: when dogs mark multiple areas with small amounts of urine. One avenue for dogs to leave their scent or pick up the scent of another canine who was there before them is to roll and rub their backs on that area. They also exhibit this same behavior on their beds or toys at home, as well as outside in your backyard or in random grassy patches or places in the park or woods.
6. Relaxation
Many times, your dog just loves how it feels to roll around in the outdoors! The rough surface of grass is therapeutic and relaxing. If you observe your dog’s demeanor and actions, you will see them rubbing and rolling gently about on their backs and generally looking happy. This is because, well, they are! They feel safe, joyful, and secure, and who doesn’t want to celebrate and enjoy that?
Conclusion
For the most part, rolling in the grass is a cute behavior from your dog. It’s rewarding as an owner to see your dog happy and enjoying life. It is your choice, of course, whether you let them do this, because, at times, what they are rolling in is smelly and disgusting (to us) but delightful for them. In these instances, a bath to remove the stink once home is needed, and for this reason, you may wish to end or redirect the behavior.
Having a good recall is a great way for you to stop your dog from engaging in the activity. If you are worried that your dog may have rolled in something toxic substance or dangerous, contact your vet for advice.
Featured Image Credit: Raindog Photography, Shutterstock
