Fox poo, also known as fox faeces or scat, can be a smelly and unpleasant surprise for dogs and their owners. Foxes are known to leave their droppings in gardens, parks, and other outdoor areas, and if a dog comes into contact with it, the strong odour can linger on their fur for days.
If you’re dealing with a fox poo smell on your dog, don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of it. In this article, we’ll discuss some effective methods on how to get rid of fox poo smell on dogs.
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Why Do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo?
Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and they often use scent to communicate and gather information about their surroundings. Rolling in fox poo is a behaviour that may seem unpleasant to us humans, but to dogs, it can serve several purposes.
One possible explanation is that the strong smell of fox poo masks the dog’s own scent, making it more difficult for prey to detect them. This may have been a useful survival strategy for dogs’ wild ancestors. Additionally, rolling in strong-smelling substances like fox poo may be a way for dogs to communicate with other dogs, as the scent may contain information about the dog’s territory or social status.
It’s also possible that dogs simply enjoy the sensation of rolling in something that has a strong odour, as it can be a form of sensory stimulation and may trigger pleasurable feelings for them.
How to Get Rid of the Fox Poo Smell on Dogs?
It’s important to discourage this behaviour in domestic dogs, as it can be difficult and unpleasant to clean them afterwards, and there is a risk of exposure to harmful bacteria or parasites that may be present in the faeces. However, if your dog has done the deed, here are some of the methods through which you can eradicate the foul odour from your dog:
Rinse your dog with water:
The first thing you should do when you notice your dog has come into contact with fox poo is to rinse them with water. Use lukewarm water and gentle dog shampoo to wash their fur, paying special attention to the areas where the poo is located. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly, as any remaining traces of fox poo can continue to cause an odour. You can also use a dog-specific odour-neutralizing shampoo to help eliminate any remaining smells.
Use a vinegar and water solution:
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help to neutralize the scent of fox poo. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray the solution directly onto your dog’s fur.
Be careful not to get the solution in your dog’s eyes or ears. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, and then rinse your dog thoroughly with water. Repeat this process as necessary until the odour is gone.
Use a commercial odour eliminator:
There are many commercial odour eliminators available that are designed to remove pet smells, including fox poo. For example, you can try the Stinkbomb spray. Look for a product that is safe for use on dogs and that does not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. Follow the instructions on the product label, and be sure to test it on a small area of your dog’s fur before applying it all over. Remember to rinse your dog thoroughly after using the product.
Use baking soda and water:
Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that can help to neutralize the fox poo smell. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water, and apply the solution to your dog’s fur with a cloth or sponge. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, and then rinse your dog thoroughly with water. Repeat this process as necessary until the odour is gone.
How to Stop Your Dog from Rolling in Fox Poo?
As we know by now, we can’t stand the fox poo smell, as it’s awful and extremely difficult to get rid of. However, our furry friends seem to enjoy it and their favourite thing to do is roll in it. Rolling in fox poo is a common behaviour for dogs and can be frustrating for their owners. Thus, here are some tips to help stop your dog from rolling in fox poo:
Always keep your dog on a leash. If you’re out for a walk and you know your dog has a tendency to go near other animals’ poop, it’s better to keep them on a leash. Thereby, preventing them from getting close to any piles of poo.
Train a “leave it” command. Teach your dog a “leave it” command, which can be used to distract them when they are about to roll in something. This will take time and patience to train, but it can be a valuable tool to prevent your dog from getting into something you don’t want them to.
There are sprays available that are designed to deter dogs from rolling in poo. These sprays have an unpleasant smell that dogs don’t like, and can be sprayed on the areas where fox poo is likely to be found. However, it’s important to make sure that the spray is safe for your dog and won’t harm them.
Next, you should search for and remove any fox poop in your garden. In addition to routinely inspecting and eliminating dog waste from your garden, you should also keep an eye out for any other animal waste, such as that from cats and foxes, and properly dispose of it so that your dog won’t find it and roll in it.
FAQs
What does fox poo smell like?
Fox has a strong-smelling poo and urine that is used to mark territories. The smell can be described as a mix of rotted meat and skunk. Usually, fox poo is mistaken as a dog’s poo as the smell is quite similar.
Is fox poop toxic to dogs?
If dogs eat the faeces or even simply roll in them and lick to clean themselves, they could ingest parasites hidden inside. That means foxes could pass on any diseases that they have. More commonly, foxes have parasites or worms that can cause illness in dogs and even pass it on to humans.
Can dogs get sick from fox poop?
What does fox poo look like?
Foxes produce dog-like droppings that are usually pointy at one end and full of fur, feathers, tiny bones, and seeds. In rural areas, fox poo is quite dark, but in urban areas, where foxes eat human food waste, it can be lighter. Fresh droppings have a distinctively musky smell.
Does tomato ketchup get rid of fox poo?
Tomato ketchup is great for getting rid of the stinky fox poo smell and it’s natural, but be careful – if your dog has a very absorbent coat or fur, it may develop a pink tinge for a while.
Conclusion
I hope through this article, you’ve learnt about how to get rid of fox poo smell on dogs. In conclusion, dealing with the fox poo smell on your dog can be unpleasant, but it’s not impossible to get rid of. By following these simple steps and being persistent, you can help your furry friend smell fresh and clean once again. Remember to always use safe and gentle products, and consult your vet if the smell is persistent.
References:
- Long, M. (2021, July 21). The Dog Rolled In Fox Poo – What To Do Next. Poochiful. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://poochiful.co.uk/the-dog-rolled-in-fox-poo-what-to-do-next/
- Wordsworth, N. (2022, February 21). The Fox Poo Dilemna. . . Pup Suds. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://pupsuds.co.uk/2022/02/21/how-to-get-rid-of-fox-poo/
- Shersby, M. (2023, January 22). How to identify animal droppings. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/how-to-identify-animal-droppings/
