Why Do Dogs Roll in Grass? 3 Common Reasons!

While many pet parents consider it an idiosyncrasy, rubbing around on the grass is a natural behavior we see in many dogs.

But have you ever thought of the why they roll in grass? In this article, we will look at the causes of this peculiar behavior and if it is a problem in your case.

Dogs play on instinct and that is why you find them rolling in grass carrying out their actions. Here are some instinctual motivations:

MASKING THEIR SCENT:

Reasons for hiding their scent might be, that they might roll in grass. As they have good olfactory tact which makes them roll in stink, rolling in grass may help them camouflage with the ground besides hiding from potential enemies or competitors.

MARKING TERRITORY

These dogs also roll in the grass to mark a territory just like a wild animal would do to any piece of land.

Perhaps they are marking on the grass leaving their smell there so that any other dogs passing by will know it belongs to them.

FOLLOWING PACK BEHAVIOR

Dogs are pack animals and thus they will base their actions on what their pack appears to be doing.

Grass rolling may be a way through which dogs try to obey pack order and remain in a group since it is well-known that dogs prefer to be in groups.

The Sensory Appeal

Grass offers dogs a good experience in terms of what they can feel. Here’s why it might feel good to them:

ITCHY SKIN RELIEF

If for instance, you have a dog that suffers from itchy skin, rolling in grass could be relieving for the dog.

Grass has nutrients that are valuable for calmness and relief of irritated skin in dogs and make the animals more comfortable.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

According to the findings, grass can also be of help to dogs in thermoregulation. Just rolling in the grass is fun, especially when there are meadows and there is hot weather.

SIMPLE ENJOYMENT

At other times, dogs just like the feeling of laying on grass. Sometimes it may be pleasing or even enjoyable to them as the cool breeze or slip-per feeling to us.

One of these gestures dogs use to tell someone something is rolling in the grass. Here’s what they might be trying to convey:

EXPRESSING EXCITEMENT

Dogs rolling in the grass may be happy or we want to lay in that spot. It could be that they were overjoyed, happy or elated and they found in dancing a simple way of rejoicing.

ATTRACTING ATTENTION

It remains unclear whether by rolling in grass, for example, dogs seek to attract the attention of their owner.

They may just want attention, or maybe they can’t wait till they can get started playing.

INVESTIGATING SMELLS

One of the proud possessions of a dog is a fantastic sense of smell, and rolling in grass means fresh and interesting smells to the dog.

They may wish to know more about what they have come across in their browser or what they have read about.

When Rolling in Grass Is a Concern

While rolling in grass is typically harmless, there are times when it might indicate a problem:

ROLLING IN FOUL SMELLS

It is also important if your dog has rolled in stench-producing items including carrion or any item of your dislike.

The smell could be really strong and you may find it residing on the hair of your dog and then on your clothes or upholstery.

ROLLING DURING THE NIGHT

If your dog is rolling in grass more times than usual or more often than it used to, then, there is trouble.

Or else it might be from an itch itchy or a scratchy position or it might be a sign of anxiety or stress.

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS

Chemicals used in grass such as pesticides, fertilizers, or any chemical will be very harmful to dogs.

The poisoning or other malaise may result from rolling in grass with such substances.

How to Manage Rolling in Grass

If you’re concerned about your dog’s grass-rolling behavior, here are steps you can take:

WATCH THEIR SURROUNDINGS

Watch closely any grassy areas your canine companion tends to sneak into and tendency to look out for any form of bad smell or danger signal.

KEEP THEIR SKIN HEALTHY

Be sure to pay attention to the skin and look for signs of irritation or even discomfort and take it to the vet if needed.

REDIRECT THEIR ATTENTION

If you have ever caught your dog’s eye as he contemptuously surveys an object below, getting ready to roll in it, be sure to distract him immediately, for instance by offering a toy or for a walk.

Dogs rolling in grass is natural and normal, so it is an inbred reaction in most of them. Although it may be cute, it is still important to be mindful of certain issues and try to keep it at bay should it become an issue. The pleasure of grass is known, what your dog wants, and how to avoid harming the dog.