There’s no question about it—dogs do some weird stuff. Whether they’re rolling on the ground to cover themselves in horrible smells, or chowing down on grass outside, dogs have some odd behaviors. The real questions—why do dogs do what they do, and is there a reason behind the behavior? To clear up any confusion, our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team discusses your canine companion’s unusual antics, and explains some reasons for your pup’s weird behavior.
Question: Why does my dog eat grass?
Answer: Dogs don’t have bovine ancestors in their family tree, so why do they seem to love munching on grass? Some dogs may eat large quantities of grass to purge their bodies, using the high fiber content to push out intestinal parasites or spoiled food. Many dogs become nauseous and may vomit after eating grass, so they may instinctively eat grass if they feel the need to vomit. However, in most cases, dogs who eat grass simply like the taste or texture, especially grass that’s freshly covered in morning dew. But, if your dog routinely vomits after eating grass, schedule a physical exam with our team to ensure nothing more serious is occurring.
Q: Why does my dog scoot along the carpet?
A: Typically, dogs don’t need to wipe after going to the bathroom, so why does your dog occasionally drag their hind end along your carpet? This scooting behavior has more to do with alleviating the uncomfortable pressure of overly full anal glands than any other reason. The anal glands are two small sacs right inside your pet’s anus that fill with a thin, foul-smelling fluid. Normally, this stinky fluid is naturally expressed when your pet defecates, but if your dog has diarrhea, inflammatory skin issues, or another medical condition, the glands may not empty on their own. As fluid builds up, so does pressure, which causes your pet to lick, chew, or scoot. If the glands are not emptied, your dog can suffer from an anal-gland infection, impaction, or abscess, so contact our team if you notice your pet scooting.
Q: Why does my dog kick the ground after going to the bathroom?
A: You may think your pooch is wiping off their feet after going to the bathroom, or covering up the evidence like a cat, but they’re more likely spreading their scent. Not only do feces and urine contain a great deal of pheromones and scent markers, but also your dog’s paw pads. By kicking up the grass or dirt after eliminating, your dog is marking their territory in an impressive way.
Q: Why does my dog hump other dogs, people, or things?
A: While humping by intact dogs can be tied to reproductive purposes, most pets are spayed or neutered. After reproductive urges are eliminated as a potential reason, the typical cause for your dog’s humping, whether another dog, a person’s leg, or a favorite stuffed toy, is overexcitement. When your dog becomes over-stimulated through play or new experiences, they may not know how to act, and turn to humping as an outlet for their excess energy. This behavior is generally benign, but can cause altercations between dogs, and can become a serious issue if your large-breed dog knocks down children or the elderly. When your dog becomes overly agitated, ask them to perform a series of tricks, like sit, down, and shake, to help them focus on you and redirect their energy.
Q: Why does my dog eat feces?
A: Dogs are gross. Scooping “tootsie rolls” from the litter box may be a highlight of their day, but dogs will also eat their own feces. Most commonly, this feces-eating behavior, or coprophagia, is chalked up to your pet’s palate, meaning they simply like the taste. In some cases, coprophagia can be spurred by a nutritional deficiency or unclean living conditions.
Q: Why does my dog like to roll in dead and other foul-smelling things?
A: Again, dogs are gross. They enjoy all manner of disgusting things, like rolling in dead animals or other nasty smells. Your dog may seek out the same smelly spot to roll in on their daily walk, effectively covering up their own scent. This masking technique may be vital for stalking prey, but such behavior is now outdated and unnecessary for domesticated dogs.
Your dog’s unusual behavior may actually be a cry for help. If your furry pal is exhibiting odd behavior, they may require veterinary attention for a medical condition. Contact our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team for an appointment.