Does your dog love rolling in smelly things? What does this mean?

Has it happened to you? You're on a perfect walk, the sun is shining, your dog is running happily, and suddenly... boom! He drops his shoulder and rubs himself with all his might on something that smells awful. It could be an old cookie, trash, or, the most dreaded, another animal's poop or a dead animal!

Before you panic and run for the shampoo, let me tell you something: your dog isn't a "pig," he's an emotional explorer. 

This behavior is called scent camouflage or scent marking or scent rolling in English, and it's an inheritance from their wolf ancestors. For them, that smell isn't "bad," it's a message. Some scientists believe they do it to bring "news" to their pack (i.e., you) about what they found, or to camouflage their own scent, just as ancient hunters did.

It's even their version of wearing a luxury perfume! By rubbing, they release endorphins that make them feel happy and secure. 

Although that smell may be delicious to him, for his health there can be risks like parasites or bacteria in those remains. If you notice that after his "mischief" his skin is red, he scratches a lot, or does this several times during the day, visit your local vet so they can check him and recommend the best for your pet.

⭐ Waggy's Expert Tip: Since these adventures often end in emergency baths, your dog's skin can dry out. A touch of our Waggy's Super Salmon Oil in his food will not only make his coat shine like never before, but will keep his skin healthy and strong from the inside, ready for his next (and hopefully less smelly) adventure.

👉 Maintain skin and coat shine and softness

https://waggys.pet/collections/suplementos-para-perros/products/super-salmon-oil-aceite-piel-pelo-perros

So next time your furry companion decides to roll in the most exotic "perfume" he can find, remember that he's not trying to sabotage you, but to connect with his ancestor and release a little pure happiness. 

Conclusions 

Understanding that scent rolling is a normal behavior allows us to be more understanding guardians. The key is to enjoy their adventures without forgetting their health: stay alert for any signs of irritation and visit your local vet if necessary. 

Let's celebrate the mischief of our explorers! Even if they are sometimes smelly.

References

• Boić, N., Jukić, N., Mikuška, A., Bjedov, D., Kovačić, M., Šalika-Todorović, T., & Sudarić Bogojević, M. (2024). Preliminary Study of Scent Rolling in Captive Wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) in Response to Olfactory Enrichment. Biology, 13(6), 422. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060422

• Coren, S. (2011). Why Do Dogs Roll in Garbage and Other Smelly Stuff? Psychology Today.

• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell. Scribner.

• Rieger, I. (1979). Scent rubbing in carnivores. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 50(1), 21-30.