Why Does My Dog…

Scratch the Grass on the Lawn After Pooping?

Is your lawn a mess because your dog scratches it after every time he or she poops? This may be annoying to those of us who spend our weekends taking care of the lawn, but it’s normal behavior for Rover.

In the wild, canines such as wolves, dingoes and foxes are not only doing this to covering up the mess, it is also a way to mark their territory. All canines have glands in their feet that secrete hormones, and a couple of backward scratches into the earth release the chemicals.

If you’re upset that your dog is destroying your lawn, the solution is to take him for a walk several times a day.

Roll Around in Smelly Stuff?

While we aren’t 100% sure why dogs like to roll in stinky stuff, many pet behaviorists believe this is an attempt to show off their most “prized possessions” to their owners. For a dog, wearing smelly stuff is like wearing the best designer-label scent.

People like smells that are fresh, floral and fragrant while dogs prefer dirty, dead and disgusting aromas.

Forget trying to prevent your dog from rolling around in the smelliest things imaginable. For you, it’s awful; for dogs, it’s heavenly. With thousands of years of practice ingrained, dogs will continue their stinky behavior. The only way to stop the roll-and-stink is to keep your dog on a leash or teach tech him how to come when called.

If you have questions about your dog’s behavior, please give us a call. The staff at Mandarin Animal Hospital is always available to answer your questions.