While playing in a park, you must have enjoyed how your dog shows playful activities and rolls in the grass. You find this funny and think of this as another canine 🐕 behaviour. But, your dog does this every now and then. Is it normal? Why do dogs roll in the grass?
Rolling in the grass 🍃 can be normal for a dog if performed occasionally. However, if your dog does this every day then it is essential to know the underlying cause behind it. Other than that, you must think about rolling as a way by which dogs tell you that they are excited. Let us dive deeper and learn the other reasons why dogs roll in the grass.
Is it Normal for Dogs to Roll in Grass?
Yes, it is completely normal for dogs to roll in the grass. Rolling in the grass is a normal and natural behaviour of a dog and won’t harm the dog 🐶 unless the grass is dirty. Rolling is a sign that dogs might be excited or curious. Thus, there is nothing abnormal for dogs rolling in the grass.
However, this is not true every time. You should observe your dog while rolling in the grass. If he does this to seek your attention or as a cause of any underlying behavioural issues then you must stop 🛑 him from doing so.
Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?
Many activities of dogs like playing around or wagging their tail are the most serene and innocent sights 👀 a man can behold. Rolling in the grass is one of them; the most innocent and playful activity. But, have you wondered why dogs roll in the grass? Here are some reasons why dogs do so!
1) Communication
Rolling in the grass 🌿 can be a natural instinct for a dog. Dogs are domesticated animals and they still have wild instincts that may be translated through their behaviours. Dogs 🐶 roll in the grass to cover their own scent with dirt, grass or any other animal that urinated on the grass. This is the main characteristic of a wolf that tries to catch the prey without being noticed through its strong smell.
On the flip side, dogs roll on the grass to take up the smell of the grass. If your dog rolls on the grass just after taking a bath then he possibly wants to get back his original smell. Dogs have a natural smell, the smell that seems similar to us is the identity of your dog 🐶 that distinctly identifies himself.[1] Unlike us, they don’t like the smell of shampoo and thus they often roll in the grass after taking a bath.
2) Scratching an Itch
Sometimes, dogs just roll in the grass to relieve an itch. Practically, they can’t reach every part of their body so they just roll their body in the grass. However, rolling the body for occasional itchiness is okay, but if he is constantly scratching and rolling in the grass 🌿 he might be having a skin infection. It is crucial to check on your dog and consult a veterinarian 👩⚕️ for help.
3) It Just Feels Good
At the end of the day, they are just dogs, your cute little pets and any activity seems playful to them. They don’t always have a specific reason for demonstrating a particular behaviour. They just do activities that are fun and entertaining for them and so is rolling in the grass.
It feels like a massaging time ⏳, relaxed and stress-free and the only reason to do so is because they feel good while rolling in the grass. Apart from that, the grass might feel a little wet 💧 and appealing to cool off your dog on hot summer days.
Should You Stop Your Dog From Rolling in Grass?
If your dog is rolling in the grass 🌿 just because they are happy, excited or curious then there is no harm in the behaviour of the dog. Such behaviour is usually harmless and beneficial for your dog. But, you may want to stop the behaviour if there are some issues that concern you.
Firstly, the grass wherein the dog rolls in. Grasses in some parks are contaminated with pesticides 🧪 and chemicals. your dog may ingest it leading to severe consequences. Moreover, there can be sharp objects 🔪 which can hurt the dog while rolling. Thus, you should check the area before letting your dog roll in.
Dogs are prone to infection caused by fleas, ticks or mites 🐜. If your dog has any skin infections like these then rolling in the grass may worsen the condition. You should also avoid this behaviour if he is injured or has any wounds or burns. This too can affect the dog badly, causing friction to the injured area.
Eventually, excessive rolling in the grass 🌿 can be an underlying behavioural issue which needs to be addressed. Thus, you might need to consult a vet 👩⚕️ or behaviourist to overcome the root cause.
If your dog loves rolling in grass but you want to stop them for health reasons, consider getting artificial grass for dogs uk. High quality artificial turf designed for pets provides a safe alternative for dogs to roll and play
How to Stop Your Dog From Rolling in Grass?
Your dog is injured and you don’t want him to roll in the grass, but he never listens! In cases where you need to stop your dog from rolling in the grass, you may try the following:
- Using a Leash: You can keep the dog on a leash. This will not only prevent him from rolling in the grass but also restrict his movement from places where he could hurt himself. You can also use a harness or a head collar for more control and comfort.
- Using a command: You can teach your dog commands such as “leave it” or “no”. This tells him to stop what they are doing and pay attention to you. You can use treats 🍖, toys 🧸 or praise 👏 to reward your dog for obeying the command. Along with that, redirect their attention to something else.
- Using a deterrent: You can use a spray such as water, vinegar or lemon juice, that creates an unpleasant sensation or smell for your dog. You can spray 💧 it on the grass or on your dog’s fur when they try to roll in it. However, you should be careful not to hurt or scare your dog and make sure it is safe and non-toxic.
- Using positive reinforcement: You can use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to do something else instead of rolling in the grass. For example, you can play with him, walk with him, or give him a chew toy or a puzzle toy that keeps them busy and satisfied.
If you are concerned about your dog rolling in grass that may be contaminated, you may want to consider laying artificial grass in your backyard, specifically made for dogs. Check out our guide on “how to lay artificial grass for dogs” for tips.
It is important that you discourage the behaviour that you don’t want and make the dog obey it. Sometimes, rolling in the grass can lead to infections and injuries that can harm the dog. It is best to take the necessary steps if you don’t want your dog 🐶 to roll in the grass.
FAQs
Is rolling in the grass bad for dogs?
Rolling in the grass is not bad for dogs unless the grass is dirty or contaminated with chemicals. It can be also harmful if the dog has skin infections, wounds or burns. Check for the frequency of the dog rolls in the grass. If it persists over a longer period he might be having behavioural issues. It is crucial to observe your dog while giving him the freedom to roll in the grass.
Why does my dog roll in the grass after a bath?
Your dog may roll in the grass after a bath to dry themselves off, get rid of the shampoo smell or restore their natural scent. Your dog may not like the smell of the shampoo or feel that it makes them vulnerable or unfamiliar to other dogs or animals. Rolling in the grass may help them feel more comfortable and confident.
Why does my dog sneeze after rolling in the grass?
Your dog may roll in the grass and then sneeze because they have allergies or because they have grass particles stuck in their nose. Allergies can be caused by various factors, such as pollen, dust or chemicals. If your dog has allergies, you may notice other symptoms, such as coughing, itching or redness. You should consult your veterinarian and follow their advice on how to treat and prevent allergies.
Final Thought
Rolling in the grass is a normal and natural behaviour for dogs that may have various reasons and benefits. However, there are some situations where you may want to stop your dog from rolling in the grass, such as when the grass is dirty or dangerous or when your dog has health or behavioural issues that make it harmful for them.
You can use different methods to stop your dog from rolling in the grass, such as using a leash or a command. You should always be gentle and consistent with your dog and respect their needs and preferences. If the behaviour is occasional, enjoy watching your dog rolling in the grass! 🌿🐶
While rolling in the grass is natural dog behavior, you may want to limit areas where they can access it. Be sure to pick up all dog poop, especially soft poop, to keep your lawn clean. Our guide on how to pick up soft dog poop from grass has useful tricks for easy cleanup.
References:
- Horowitz, A. (2017). Smelling themselves: Dogs investigate their own odours longer when modified in an “olfactory mirror” test. Behavioural Processes from ScienceDirect.
