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Some dogs love to roll in anything. But a particularly gross favourite for some is fox poop. It stinks, takes a long time to clean, and can turn a pleasant walk into a frustrating affair.
A dog rolling in fox poop can lead to issues like time-consuming clean-up to genuine anxiety whenever you're out on a walk with them.
But keep calm: we're here to give you positive, actionable steps to not only understand why your dog does this but, crucially, how to stop it.
Here, we give expert-backed advice that explains why dogs roll in fox poo and, most importantly, how to get your mucky pup to stop it.
Why do dogs roll in fox poo?
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We have a fairly good idea why dogs roll in fox poop, from evolutionary motivations to communication.
There are a few core explanations for a dog rolling around in fox poop:
Communication: dogs communicate primarily through scent, so rolling in a smell can be a way to communicate.
Evolutionary adaptation: it's survival behaviour to camouflage scent, which may be why dogs tend to roll in strong smells.
Scent masking: strong scents like fox poop can confuse prey and predators, so dogs can instinctively roll in them as they mimic hunting behaviour when out and about.
Sensory reasons: fox poo has a strong smell, which can be intriguing for some dogs. It's one of the reasons why some dogs eat poop.
What the science says
There hasn't been any studies about fox poop specifically, but research into canine and wolf behaviour explains the reasons why fairly well.
Researchers like Pat Goodmann have looked into wolf behaviour in-depth, and she suggests that wolves roll in strong-smelling substances (like fox poop) not just to communicate, but to mask their scent when approaching prey.
For example, if a rabbit or a deer smells a wolf, they'll instinctively flee. If they smell droppings, or the smell of their own poop, they won't. Dogs evolved from wolves, so it makes sense why this behaviour is deeply ingrained.
So, why doesn't the scent put dogs off? Well, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz states that there's no "noxious scent" receptor in a dog's brain, so they don't perceive repulsive smells in the same way.
Research confirms they have significantly more olfactory receptors than humans (up to 300 million vs. 6 million). This means dogs experience scents with immense detail and complexity. Combined with no noxious scent receptor, it makes sense why they wouldn't approach a bad smell like fox poop the same way as us.
Is rolling in fox poo harmful to dogs?
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Yes, it does have risks. But it doesn't mean your pet will definitely get ill if it happens, so don't panic too much. The main thing is to look out for worrying symptoms, see a vet if your dog eats fox poop and get your dog clean ASAP.
Risks include:
Allergic reaction
Bacteria and parasite infection (we've listed them below)
Intestinal blockage (if your pet has eaten some)
Skin problems
Symptoms that your dog isn't reacting well to fox poop include:
Abdominal pain
Appetite loss
Drinking and peeing frequently
Fever
Gagging
Hair loss
Itching
Mange (very rare)
Jaundice (yellowing of the gums and eyes)
Retching
Scabbing
Skin irritation
Visible worms
Vomiting
Weight loss
Any of these warrants a vet visit.
One key thing to remember is you must see a vet if your dog eats fox poop. It carries a high risk of parasite infection.
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What type of bacteria and parasites does fox poo carry?
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Bacteria
E. coli
Salmonella
Yersinia spp.
Parasites
Fleas
Flukes
Giarda
Heartworms (extremely rare in the UK)
Hookworms
Lungworms
Mites
Protozoans
Roundworms
Tapeworms
Our article on worms in dogs explains more.
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How to stop a dog rolling in fox poo
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Basic commands
Assuming you notice your dog darting for some fox poop beforehand, commands like "leave it" and "come" can keep them away from it.
Our guide on basic dog training can give you step-by-step tips to teach these commands to them.
Distraction techniques
Try distracting your dog before they roll with things like toys and treats to divert their attention away.
Knowing your dog's body language
A dog will give body language cues before they roll, so it's essential to know these so you can command them to leave it.
Our dog body language guide can help.
Positive reinforcement training
In combination with training and stopping them from rolling, use positive reinforcement training to reward your dog when they're calm and not rolling.
It's important to avoid giving a dog attention for the rolling, and instead reward them when they are not rolling. That way, they build up a positive association with not rolling in scents and staying calm on a walk.
Using a long lead, especially in high-risk areas
A long lead can keep your dog comfortable and free while making sure they don't run off into any fox dens or poop. Our guide on training your dog to use a lead can help if you face difficulties.
Practical, proactive solutions
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Some practical tips to proactively stop fox-poo rolling include:
Avoid known fox dens or trails. Foxes tend to make their dens in thick undergrowth, and they'll leave signs behind on the trail like markings and dug-up holes.
Bathe your dog quickly if they've rolled in the scent - it's important to get rid of it quickly.
Consistently positively reinforce good behaviours and train diligently; it's important to keep on top of this and reinforce good habits.
Fox-proof your garden with safe, ethical deterrents, like motion-activated sprinklers and secure bins.
Keep an eye out for fox activity signs, like dens, droppings and a strong, musky smell. Fox activity tends to peak at dawn and dusk.
Make sure you regularly clean and groom your dog's coat before they roll. Dogs are less likely to want to roll in stuff if they're clean.
Routine vet care can help deal with behavioural issues, like frequent rolling and parasite infections, early on, so be sure to ask your vet about it at your next check-up if this is an issue.
While training and prevention reduce risk, unexpected incidents can still happen. The ultimate protection for your peace of mind and your dog's health comes from good dog insurance.
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What to do if your dog rolled in fox poo
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The first priority is cleaning up your dog (and the smell). Start by removing as much waste as possible with paper towels or pet-safe wipes, and wear rubber cleaning gloves.
Follow this with a bath in warm water, and use dog-friendly shampoo that neutralises odours. Pay extra attention to smelly areas. Rinse your dog thoroughly and consider a specialised shampoo if rolling in poop is a consistent issue.
Finally, make sure you clean any potentially contaminated items like their collar and the car seat well.
And remember: never punish your dog for rolling. They don't understand it's wrong; punishment only makes them feel bad and it isn't an effective training method. It's much better to positively reinforce desirable behaviours.
How dog insurance helps
To recap: rolling in fox poop is a natural instinct for most dogs. But this doesn't mean it's impossible to solve.
With consistent training and preparedness, and a close relationship with your vet, you can keep on top of things and enjoy some muck-free, cleaner walks in future.
Dog insurance can help if things don't go to plan. With up to £20,000 vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of ManyPets Perks, we're here to help you through the happy times and, well, the pretty gross times.
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