Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & How to Help It

Dogs do many weird things that humans do not seem to understand, at least until they get to know our pets. One strange behavior they display is rolling in the grass. What is it about grass that attracts dogs to it so much? It turns out that there are several potential reasons that a dog likes to roll in the grass. Here are some of the reasons that every dog owner should be aware of. Keep in mind that most of these are anecdotal, rather than proven by science.

The 9 Reasons Dogs Roll in Grass

1. It is an Instinct

Sometimes, dogs may roll in the grass due to instinct. They may do it to gain knowledge about the area by gathering the scents, especially if there are any strong smells present in the grass from other animals or even food leftovers.

2. They Need to Scratch

Many dogs like to use the grass to scratch themselves, whether due to fleas, skin disease, allergies or a good old itch. They typically throw themselves on the ground and start rumbling and tumbling in the grass to get their itch scratched. They might look like they are riding a bike upside down while trying to scratch their back in the grass!

If your dog is rolling in the grass more than usual or excessively, and they seem itchy or have any skin changes, hair loss, scabs or redness, they are suffering with a skin condition and should be examined by the vet as soon as possible.

3. They’re Trying to Clean Themselves

The grass is an effective cleaning mechanism for dogs. Owners might notice that their dogs start rolling in the grass after running in the sand or getting muddy. Sometimes, dogs roll in the grass to clean the “soapy” smell off them after a bath. Dogs may also try to get the residual smell off them after getting a flea treatment. These are ways for them to actually cover up their current and new smell that they dislike. Any time that a dog feels dirty, even if the “dirt” is just a smell, there is a good chance that they will roll in the grass if they have an opportunity to.

4. They Are Marking Their Territory

Most people think of a male dog lifting his leg and peeing to mark his territory. However, some dogs prefer to roll in the grass to leave their mark. Rolling in the grass leaves behind some of the oils that a dog’s skin produces, which, in turn, helps mark the territory. Dogs do not do this to try to claim the space. Instead, it is their way of communicating to other dogs that they have been there.

5. They’re Trying to Mask Their Smell

For whatever reason, dogs do not always like the way they smell. So, when they want to mask their smell, they will roll around in a patch or field of grass to get a grassy smell on them. Even the dirt and mud underneath the grass can rub onto a dog’s coat to help mask their smell. That way, they do not smell like anything but grass or dirt, which may make dogs happy. If the grass smells of another dog or a different animal, or something particularly interesting, they may roll in it in order to pick up that scent instead.

6. They Enjoy the Feel

One simple reason that dogs roll in the grass is for the feel of it. To them, it may be like rolling around in a massaging bath of bubbles that invigorates the skin and gets rid of loose hair. Rolling in the grass may be like a mini spa for dogs. Doing so may help massage the muscles, exfoliate the coat and skin, and stimulate the nerves. Plus, many dogs get a great stretch workout while enjoying their grass-rolling expeditions.

7. They’re Relieving Discomfort

Another reason that a dog might roll in the grass could be to relieve any discomfort, as they may get some relief by rubbing their bodies against the cool, damp grass. Dogs with rashes will also find relief in the gentle massage of soft grass against their bodies. Rolling around in the grass can also cool a dog off on a hot, sunny day, especially if you sprinkle it with water to make it more refreshing.

8. They Want to Be Camouflaged

Dogs that are trained to hunt or protect livestock may look to grass as a means of camouflaging themselves. Some dogs may vigorously roll around in the grass to get the smell of grass on their bodies. This may reduce the chances that they could be detected by possible predators or prey.

9. They Are Simply Happy

At times, dogs just want to roll around in the grass when they feel happy. This often occurs in the backyard or at a dog park. Part of the reason for rolling around in the grass may be to get rid of pent-up energy that is exploding from within due to the excitement around them.

Should Anything Be Done About This Behavior?

Many of the reasons that dogs roll in the grass are harmless. However, the activity can result in smelly dogs and unwanted debris in the house. Skin disease and itchiness may be common reasons for excessive rolling and should be discussed with a vet. Here are a few things that you can do to stop your dog from rolling in the grass if you cannot tolerate the activity:

• Get Them Checked By a Vet: Excessive rolling in the grass, as well as itching and licking, are often signs of underlying skin disease due to external parasites such as fleas, allergies, bacterial or fungal skin infections, and others. A check up at the vet will establish the cause for your dog’s skin issues and get them started on appropriate treatment.
• Practice Redirection: If all medical conditions have been ruled out but your dog is still rolling in the smelliest patches of grass, try getting their attention and offer them a treat well before they show any intention of rolling in the grass. This way, they will forget about the grass and focus on your offerings. Instead of treats, a game of fetch or Frisbee can be utilized as a reward. Continue redirecting your dog’s attention in these ways as often as necessary.
• Practice Training Activities: When your dog shows too much of an interest in rolling in the grass, get their attention and start practicing training moves. This works best with dogs that are eager to please and have already been trained in basic obedience. This can be easily turned into agility work with consistent efforts and patience.
• Hire a Behaviorist: If your dog’s rolling in the grass is becoming excessive and no medical cases have been identified, consider seeking a behaviorist’s help. Certified canine behaviorists have the resources, tools, education, and experience necessary to address core problems and redirect your dog’s actions.

Conclusion

Since there are so many reasons that a dog might roll in the grass, it is important to pay attention to their attitudes, temperaments, intentions, body language, and actions whenever they do it in order to figure out why. Hopefully, this guide will make it easy for you to determine why your dog likes to roll in the grass and whether there may be an underlying medical problem.

In case you might be wondering:

• Why Do Dogs Sneeze When Excited?

• 10 Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killers – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock