Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Poo?

 

Once you have a dog who loves to roll in poop, you will never see rolling as an innocent act again.

 

After-all, that caca loving little pooch of yours has taught you…sometimes rolling around on the ground outside means there is something really, really interesting underneath them.

 

So, why do dogs love to roll in poop? What can possibly be so appealing about rubbing in something that humans find incredibly disgusting?

 

According to Psychology Today, humans still aren’t exactly sure why dogs like to roll in smelly stuff.

 

But here’s one possibility: Dogs are DOGS. A lot of behavior that dogs display (including rolling in stinky, gross things) is caused by instinct. Maybe that instinct is to disguise their natural scent. Maybe that instinct is to assimilate with that other animal by acquiring its’ scent. But regardless of what the motive is…it is born of an innate natural desire.

 

 

Dr. Stanley Coren, who wrote the article for Psychology Today, presented another interesting theory on why some dogs cover themselves in yuck.  He thinks that some dogs may roll in smelly things because they enjoy the stimulation they get from the smell.

 

Literally, your dog might be rolling in something putrid as a way of expressing how much they LIKE that smell!

 

All in all, rolling in poop, though disgusting, is not dangerous for dogs. The only potential risk to canine health from feces would be from ingesting it.  According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs who eat feces may be exhibiting medical issues that will require a visit to your veterinarian.  Coprophagia (poop eating) in dogs may be a sign that your dog is not getting enough nutrients in her diet.  According to VCA Animal Hospitals, feces eating can also be indicative of thyroid disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease in dogs.

 

So, there you have it. Dogs love rolling in poop, because well, just because…dogs.

 

Check out this fun Emoji Squeaky Poo Dog Toy (for those dogs who just love….poo):