February 26th, 2019 by Becky Calvert

The Reasons

There isn’t an exact science as to why dogs find rolling in fox poo so appealing. It smells, is hard to remove and causes a lot of problems for dog owners. However, there are a few possible reasons for this behaviour.

Protection

Years ago, your most loved family member would not have been pampered and cared for in the same adoring way they are now. Instead, they were left to their own devices and had to attack other animals for food as a means to survive. As I’m sure you’re aware, fox poo is extremely foul-smelling – which for an animal with heightened smell would seem like the last thing they would want to smother themselves in – if only! However, it provides your dog with protection. Obtaining this revolting smell actually hides their own scent, making them unidentifiable to the prey they would be up against. This is rooted in their ancestry and therefore, is a natural instinct for them to follow.

Marking Territory

We’ve all encountered our dogs peeing on every corner, lamppost and tree in order to leave their scent behind for other passing furry creatures. Well, similarly, this could be another way of your dog acting territorial. As previously mentioned, fox poo has an extremely strong scent – much stronger than a dog’s – and therefore, it gives much stronger signals to other dogs in close proximity that your own is nearby and has claimed that certain area for his/her own.

Showing Off

Dogs are pack animals, and as a result of this, dogs had to hunt amongst (as well as in competition) with other packs of dogs. So, when your dog rolls in fox poo he's actually just embracing his natural instincts. In basic terms, your dog is showing off to other canines that they have successfully ‘conquered’ their prey and are wearing the faeces of the animal they have just killed.

The Prevention

Clearly, this is something you definitely want to prevent from happening to your own dog. Although we can’t promise it will never happen, there are a few simple ways of spotting when your dog may be tempted to surprise you with a new addition to their fur.

Spot It

For many of us, the main question is what does fox poo actually look like? Typically, fox poo is similar in appearance to your own dog’s. The differences are found in what the faeces is made up of, with fox poo often containing feathers, small bones or seeds. Fox poo can also be very dark in colour, looking almost black in some rural areas.

Pay Attention

Before rolling in the smelly substance, dogs seem to stop and hover around the area where the fox poo is hidden. They will often sniff a specific area repeatedly, circling the area whilst appearing extra alert. This behaviour will often mirror that of your dog being excited, as they will see the discovery of fox poo as an achievement. If you’re paying close attention, you may be able to spot this behaviour and move your dog away before it’s too late.

Training

Much like other tricks, you can train your dog to leave the poo alone if they come into contact with it. Start by treating them for leaving other avoidable nuisances, (food, litter or shoes) and then use the same techniques whilst out walking in grassy areas, or when your dog is off the lead. These two instances are the most likely situations when your dog may come into contact with fox poo.

The Solution

It's happened to most of us dog owners: You’ve been for a lovely walk in the park and your dog has come leaping back to greet you. You bend down to stroke them and then you realise – your pooch has rolled in fox poo. At this point, it's too late to worry about why, how, or when it happened, the most important thing is getting rid of that foul smell for good!

Specialist Shampoo

In order to remove the fox poo and its odour successfully, a specialist shampoo designed to remove this substance is essential. The shampoo must be strong enough to break down the bacteria and protein within the faeces, whilst also being gentle on your dog’s skin. The Pretty Pooch formula is pH balanced, hypoallergenic and suitable for all dog breeds. You can ensure the unwanted substance will be removed successfully, without jeopardising your dog’s sensitive skin.

Regular Grooming

Keeping on top of your dog’s grooming regime will also prevent any other bad odours or unwanted visitors (fleas or other animal faeces) from finding refuge in their fur. Browse our complete dog grooming range here and discover new ways to pamper your furry friend and keep them smelling fresh all year round, no matter what strange (and smelly) habits they may have!