Why do dogs roll in the grass? I’m sure you’ve noticed your dog rolling around in the grass before, but have you ever wondered why they do it? Well there can be a few reasons for this behavior.
Scent
The biggest factor for doing this silly activity is scent. Some of these, if not all, may seem like a weird thing to do, but these behaviors are your dog’s natural instincts.
Masking
One reason your dog rolls around in the grass is to disguise their natural scent. This behavior can be seen in wolves as a means to disguise their own scent when hunting prey. Although your pooch doesn’t need to hunt in order to eat, this ancestral instinct is still unconsciously ingrained in their everyday life.
Marking
Like peeing in the same spot on their everyday walk, your dog may decide to roll in one particular spot because they want other dogs or animals to know that specific spot is theirs. It’s another way of marking their territory.
Free Perfume
I’m sure we’ve all had our fair share of smelling animal feces on our dog… Even though you think it smells awful, your dog thinks it smells like Chanel N°5.
Bath
Have you noticed your dog rolling around on your rugs or in the grass right after a bath? This is them trying to rub off the shampoo scent. You may think they smell fresh and clean, but they just want their natural smell back.
To Stretch or Relieve an Itch
If you see your dog rolling around in the grass they could be relieving an itch they can’t reach on their own. Or perhaps they need to roll around to stretch all their joints and muscles.
It Makes Them Happy
Another reason they may roll around in the grass is because it makes them happy. Since they’re exposing their belly while rolling around, it’s a sign they feel safe and comfortable at that moment. They’re just expressing themselves and having fun in the sun.