Why Do Dogs Roll in Poop? Is This Normal?

Between the stench and the cleanup, it might seem like there’s no good explanation for why your BFF would want to play in poop. Turns out, there is.  

“While rolling in poop can be frustrating for [pet parents], it’s usually a normal behavior rooted in a dog’s instincts and love of exploring the world through their nose,” says Timothy Hunt, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Marquette, Michigan. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs roll in poop. 

One theory is ancestral scent masking—dogs may roll in strong smells to disguise their scent, a behavior passed down from wild canids like wolves, explains Feargus McConnell, BVSc, a veterinarian in Denver. 

According to a 2021 study on dogs’ sense of smell, some dogs engage in this behavior, also known as “scent-rubbing,” to blend into their environment or a group. “These days, your dog is only hunting [for] cheeses and belly rubs, but the instinct appears to have stuck around,” Dr. McConnell says. 

Dogs may also roll in poop to mask other smells, such as shampoo, says Shauna Romero, CPDT-KA, FPPE, manager of behavior and training at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA)—what smells “fresh” to dogs can be very different from what smells fresh to us.  

Dogs could also want to bring interesting smells back home to signal to other household pets that they’ve encountered something noteworthy, Romero says. 

This interesting scent information, Dr. McConnell adds, is their way of saying “smell where I’ve been!” as a form of social communication. 

The above study stated that dogs may also do this to carry the most desirable odor and elevate their social ranking—sort of like their own avant-garde, luxury fragrance. 

Sometimes, a dog might roll in poop for attention, says Tonya Wilhelm, a positive reinforcement dog trainer and founder of Raising Your Pets Naturally in Toledo, Ohio. 

“If rolling in something reliably brings a big reaction from their human, a dog will pick up that behavior quickly,” she explains. 

Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell and are naturally drawn to super-strong scents.  

Some pups might roll in strong smells, like poop, simply because they find the scent fascinating, Dr. Hunt says. 

Unpleasant for us? Yes. Fun for dogs? Also yes. 

It can be. Not only does rolling in poop have a serious ick factor, but it can also pose risks to our furry friends. 

Some possible health hazards include: 

• Intestinal parasites 
• Bacterial infections, like Salmonella or Campylobacter 
• Toxins, such as pesticides or fertilizers 
• Skin or eye irritation 
• Canine parvovirus (if the dog who pooped was infected) 

Does your bestie tend to romp and roll in poo?  “The best approach is prevention,” Dr. Hunt says. 

Here’s how to save you both from the stink:  

• Redirect your dog early. If you see a pile of poop on a walk with your dog, guide them in a different direction. 
• Practice training commands. Teaching your dog to “leave it” or “come” can help prevent the behavior. 
• Watch your dog’s body language. Sniffing, circling, or focusing on the spot can signal they’re about to roll, Romero says. 
• Reward good choices. Praise and treats can reinforce your dog for paying attention to you instead of the stinky distraction.  
• Use a leash in high-risk areas. If your dog doesn’t respond, calmly leash them and guide them away, Romero says. 

• Use a fragrance-free dog shampoo. Unscented options may help curb the behavior if your dog is trying to mask strong scents, Romero says. Try Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Itch Relief Fragrance Free Shampoo or Nature’s Miracle Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo & Conditioner.  

Pup roll in poo? Here’s what to do: 

1. Remove your dog immediately. Get them away from the poop ASAP. 
2. Contain the mess. Keep your pup from jumping into the car or house until you’ve cleaned them or applied seat covers, like the Frisco water-resistant car seat covers.  

3. Wipe them down first. Use pet grooming wipes, like Petkin XL grooming wipes or POOPH Pet Odor-Eliminating Wipes.  

4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use a tub, hose, or a kit, like the Wondurdog shower and garden hose kit, to remove most of the mess. 

5. Remove debris gently. Use an old rag or towel to wipe away remaining poop. 

6. Wash with a deep-cleaning dog shampoo. Use one like Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Shampoo or TropiClean Deep Cleaning Berry & Coconut Shampoo, then rinse well and repeat if needed. 

If your dog has a thick double coat, if you have nowhere to bathe them, or if the smell is still strong after two home washes, try a professional pet groomer. You can also go directly to a groomer right after the rolling has happened if you know one who happens to be nearby. 

Rolling in poop is normal dog behavior—at least, most of the time. But the following symptoms after exposure warrant a trip to the vet: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Lethargy 
• Loss of appetite  
• Skin or eye irritation (for example, redness, swelling, or discharge) 

Excessive or obsessive rolling should also be evaluated by a veterinarian.  

Why do dogs roll in poop after a bath? 

Shampoos, conditioners, and after-bath perfumes can have a strong odor that dogs are trying to get rid of. They may roll in poop after a bath to mask the overpowering smell. 

Why do dogs roll in dead animals? 

Dogs may simply find the smell of dead animals interesting and be drawn to them, prompting them to roll in them. 

Can dogs get sick from rolling in poop? 

Yes, dogs can get sick from rolling in poop since it can carry bacteria, parasites, or other diseases. 

How do I stop my dog from rolling in smelly things? 

You can train your dog to “leave it,” use a leash in high-risk areas, or redirect their attention to something else. 

Do all dogs roll in poop? 

No, not all dogs roll in poop. Some dogs never show interest in rolling in poop, while others seem to seek out every stinky thing they can find.