Rolling in the Grass

At first look, the strange behavior of our pets make little sense. But, more often than not, there is a purpose for them. If your dog is eating pebbles, it might be because he is deficient in certain nutrients… or because he is bored. Burying bones and other things may harken back to natural “caching” behavior, in which something to munch on is saved for later.

And then, there is this time you see them rolling in the grass like crazy.

You may have observed that dogs have a preference for grass when they go outside. Yes, seeing a dog rolling on grass is fairly frequent. Whether it is in the backyard, the local park, or, well, anywhere… A dog seemed to appreciate grass wherever it grows.

Why do dogs roll in the grass?

While it may appear strange to us humans, dogs have reasons for this behavior, and there is some history behind it as well.

Hanie Elfenbein, veterinarian, writes in her article “Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?” that dogs originated from hunters, and rolling in the grass may be a relic of their activity. Dogs may roll in grass to mask their own odor with whatever they are rolling in.

According to her, this type of behavior may have assisted wolves during hunting since it allowed them to get closer to their prey without being recognized by the prey’s great sense of smell.

Another reason your dog may be rolling in grass is that they want to mark their smell, similar to how they rub themselves on their bed, toy, and even on you. It is as if they are claiming the area or letting other dogs know they have been there.

While the scent of shampoo and a newly bathed dog may be pleasing to our senses, these aromas may be too strong for your dog or simply the incorrect odor for them. Your dog may be thinking that rolling around on grass might help them regain their natural aroma they enjoy.

With that said, we may deduce that rolling in the grass is also a way for the dog to communicate with other pack members (including you!) by notifying them that he is around, that something smells odd and needs to be changed, or that they should avoid this area since it is his.

Elfenbein adds that your dog may be rolling in the grass due to an itching sensation caused by skin irritation or allergies, If this is the case, you should treat it first to ease your pets’ suffering. If your dog is rolling around in the grass due to an allergy, it is likely to be followed by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, and skin irritation, hair loss, itching ears, hives, and sneezing.

You may also notice that they rub themselves on surfaces such as rugs, carpets, among others. If this is the case, you should consult with a veterinarian to evaluate whether your dog has an allergy and what treatment would be best for him.

It is also possible, Elfenbein adds, that your dog just enjoys the sensation of rolling on the grass. Take note of your dog’s body language while they roll. If they appear comfortable and joyful or playful, it is a good indication that they are just enjoying the sensation of soft grass and the companionship of those around them.

What if they, specifically, want to roll on grass that has poop or dead animals in it?

If this is the case, Elfenbein believes that the habit should be halted since it is unhealthy. She claims that diverting your dog to do anything else is the most effective and kindest method to stop a bad habit. Using Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT), reward your dog with a treat or praise for a behavior you want them to perform.

Teaching them orders like sit, stay, and down can also be beneficial. If you are having difficulty teaching your dog on your own, you can seek the assistance of an animal behaviorist or trainer to help you properly redirect your dog’s behavior.

The sense of smell of a dog is extraordinary. They have the superpower of smell, as we have mentioned in our past article entitled, “Pets and their Superpowers”.

According to conventional knowledge, dogs spend their lives via their noses, continuously assessing their surroundings and taking in the world through an olfactory experience. This is why they are so good in scent-based activities like arson investigation, search and rescue, COVID detection, and others.

Grass-rolling may have many objectives based on a variety of conditions, but in general, it is, most often than not, about fragrance. It is always vital to remember that there are numerous aromas in the world that our human noses are blind to, but that are screaming to be engaged with by dogs.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.