Leading Theories on Why Dogs Roll in Dead Things

PDF download Download Article
Explaining your dog's obsession with stinky stuff
PDF download Download Article

You’re walking your dog when they wander off the sidewalk onto the grass. “Oh, time for a bathroom break,” you think, only to stare in horror as they start rolling around in something meaty, fuzzy, and definitely lifeless. Even as your “No!” comes bubbling out, you can't help but wonder why your dog (or any dog) likes to roll in dead animals. We have all the answers right here, so keep reading to learn if this peculiar dog behavior is normal and how to prevent it.

Things You Should Know

  • Dogs may roll in dead animals to brag to other dogs, mark their territory, hide their scent, or “smell good.”
  • Keep your pup on a leash and practice recall cues to prevent them from rolling in things they shouldn’t.
  • Bathe your dog immediately with a fragrant degreasing dog shampoo if they roll in a dead animal.
Section 1 of 4:

Why do dogs roll in dead stuff?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a dog spots a dead animal, they’ll likely roll in it out of instinct. Your pup’s ancestors used to roll in their killed prey to tell other animals to stay away and put their scent on the carcass. Basically, finders keepers! [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the wild, dogs (especially wolves) have to kill their own food. Before they go hunting, they’ll roll around on a dead animal to cover their own scent, making it easier to sneak up on their prey This is called scent-camouflage and is all a part of your pup’s natural instincts. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your pup may be rolling around in an animal carcass to let the neighborhood dogs know they’re in charge. Carrying the scent of a recently deceased animal is like wearing a medal for a dog. This is their way of saying, “Look what I caught! Don’t mess with me!” (even if they weren’t the ones to kill the animal).
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons a dog rolls in dead animals is because they love the smell. Yep, you read that right. The stronger the dead animal smell, the more likely your dog will roll in it. To them, it’s simply perfume!
    • This doesn’t just apply to dead animals. Your dog might think garbage or poop is the best-smelling cologne.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Stop Your Dog From Rolling in Things

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Recall is when your dog comes back to you when you call their name. Learning this skill can be useful for many reasons, including getting your dog out of a smelly situation. Teach your dog how to recall by playing hide-and-seek while saying “come” or rewarding them with a desirable treat. [3]
    • Try not to repeat yourself when training your dog. Instead, use strong and loud one-word cues like “come” or “here” to get their attention.
    • Practice recalls daily with your dog, even if you’re just calling them from the other side of the room. Remember, practice makes perfect.
    • Avoid chasing your dog when practicing recalls. Stay still and let your pup come to you, even if it takes a few tries.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep your dog on a shorter leash when you go on walks if you know they’re prone to diving into smelly things. Train your furry friend to walk beside you by using treats as an incentive. Simply place some treats in the hand above your dog’s head while holding the leash’s handle in the other. Take a step, stop, give them a treat, and repeat. [4]
    • If your dog starts to pull away, stop walking and call them back before starting again.
    • Take more steps between each treat to help your pup walk further. If they start to lose focus, try talking to them with praising words like, “Good boy/girl!” or “Let’s walk.”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your dog is prone to running off and getting into mischief, consider fencing in your yard to keep them near the house. This is also a great idea if you live in a densely wooded area with poisonous plants or larger wild animals like bears.
    • Try to clean up your dog’s poop right away if they wander around a fenced yard. This way, they won’t be tempted to roll in their own stinky waste.
    • Put plenty of toys in your backyard to keep your pup occupied while they’re outside. Tennis balls, tug-of-war ropes, and chew toys are great options.
    • Make sure there are no tomato plants, daffodils, sago palms, or ivy inside the fence where your pup plays, as these plants are toxic to dogs. [5]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Cleaning a Stinky Dog

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The foul smell of dead animals, poop, or garbage can certainly make your eyes water! But before you run for the hills, call your pup over and hold your breath. The sooner you wash them , the sooner that stench will get out of their fur. [6]
    • Use a hose to rinse the initial stink off your pup outside before bringing them into an indoor sink or shower. If you have an outdoor bathing area, that’s great! If not, this additional step can help minimize the smell brought inside.
    • Opt for a dog shampoo with deodorizing and degreasing properties, like Buddy Wash Rosemary and Mint or Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo .
    • Let the suds soak into your pet’s fur for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Try distracting them by smearing a spoonful of peanut butter on the side of the tub so they stay put.
    • Sprinkle your pup with baking soda in between baths to absorb any lingering odor and oils. Brush their coat, then massage the powder in—think of it as a dog-friendly dry shampoo. [7]
Section 4 of 4:

What if a dog eats a dead animal?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Dogs-Roll-in-Dead-Animals-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Animals can carry diseases, dead or alive, that could harm your dog. To be safe, always call your vet or an emergency animal clinic if you think your dog ingested any part of a dead animal.
    • Dogs can contract the bird flu if exposed to a sick or dead bird with the virus, which can cause diarrhea and loss of appetite. [8]
    • If the dead animal ate poison (like rate or mouse pesticide), it could transfer to your dog and cause vomiting and muscle spasms. [9]
    • Bacterial infections, like leptospirosis and salmonella, can be transferred if your dog eats raw, infected meat.
    • Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and coccidia, are common if your dog consumes any part of the carcass.
    2. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Draw a Model of the Digestive System
      How to
      Draw a Brain
      How to
      Draw a Food Web
      How to Draw a Realistic Anatomical Human Heart
      How to
      Make Mold Grow on Bread
      How to
      Grow Bacteria in a Petri Dish
      How to
      Make a Model of a Heart
      How to
      Draw the Internal Structure of the Heart
      How to Spot Fake DNA Results: 10 Signs the Report is False
      How to Study Anatomy for Art & Drawing
      How to
      Study for Biology
      How to
      Bloom Yeast
      How to
      Make a Model of DNA Using Common Materials
      How to
      Make an Animal Cell for a Science Project
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/200907/why-do-dogs-roll-in-garbage-manure-or-other-smelly-stuff
      2. ↑ https://encenter.org/wolves/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/reliable-recall-train-dogs-to-come-when-called/
      4. ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/teach-your-dog-walk-loose-leash
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20707215/what-to-do-when-dog-rolls-in-dead-animal/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/mess-free-ways-keep-dogs-clean-baths/
      8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-other-animals.htm
      9. ↑ http://www.ratpoisonfacts.org/risks-pets/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,861 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement