Why Do Dogs Roll/Dive Into Grass?

We see our dogs doing a lot of weird things. Frequently rolling in grass is one of them. Ever wonder why your dog does this? There a few theories experts have on why dogs do this. Here are a few!

Trait Inherited from Wolves

As many people know, dogs are distant relatives on the wolf. Many experts say this trait comes from them. When wolves smell something new, they roll around in it, return to their pack, and have them examine the smell. Many times, the wolves can trace the scent back to where it came from just by smelling their fellow friend.

Removing Unwelcome Smells

We love washing our dogs and having them smell fresh and clean. However you and your pup may not agree on scents. After you wash your pup, often they immediately run outside and roll around in the grass. If your dog is doing this that means they don’t like the shampoo you’re using to wash them. Try testing out different products to see which they like or try switching to something without a scent.

Scratching an Itch

Rolling around in the grass may be your dog’s way of scratching something bothering them. This can include skin allergies, ticks, or fleas. If you believe this may be the reason, make sure you visit your vet and have your dog on a tick and flea protective treatment.

Obsessive Behavior

Some dogs have the compulsion to dive and roll in the grass every time they’re outside. This can be a sign of obsessive compulsion disorder. Experts say to stop this behavior, keep track of what smells makes your dog want to roll around. Before they go to jump into the grass, call them back to you and keep them engaged in fun activities to distract them from the smell. While it does take time to train your pup this way, in the long run it will pay off.

So is rolling around in the grass dangerous for your dog? No, but the pesticides, fertilizers, ticks, and fleas in the grass are. Always keep your dog up to date on their vaccinations and be sure to have them on tick and flea protective treatments. If you ever feel your dog’s rolling in the grass habit is causing more serious problems, call your vet.