Why dogs roll in fox poo, mud and other nasty smells – and why it happens more in spring

Spring walks are one of the highlights of the year for dog owners, but they often come with one unpleasant surprise. Many dogs suddenly start rolling enthusiastically in fox poo, mud and other strong smells found in parks and countryside areas.

According to Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, the fresh dog food subscription service, this behaviour is completely natural and often becomes more common during the spring months.

“Dogs experience the world through their sense of smell, which is dramatically stronger than ours,” explains Jo Hinds. “What smells disgusting to humans can be incredibly interesting to dogs, particularly when they encounter new scents outdoors.”

Why dogs roll in fox poo and strong smells

Animal behaviour experts believe scent rolling is linked to instinctive behaviours inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors.

One theory suggests that wolves and wild dogs rolled in strong scents to mask their own smell while hunting. Carrying another scent could have helped them approach prey without being detected.

Another possibility is that scent rolling helps dogs communicate information to other dogs. By carrying the scent back to their pack, they may effectively share details about where they have been and what they have found.

“In many cases, dogs may simply find the scent exciting,” says Jo Hinds. “Strong smells stimulate their brains in a way that humans don’t experience, so rolling in them can be enjoyable or enriching for the dog.”

Why the behaviour increases in spring

Many owners notice the behaviour more often in spring, and there is a good reason for that.

As temperatures rise and wildlife becomes more active, parks, woodlands and countryside areas become filled with new scents from animals, plants and decomposing organic matter.

“Spring creates a much richer scent environment for dogs,” explains Jo Hinds. “After winter, there are suddenly far more smells for dogs to explore, which is why rolling behaviour tends to increase during this time of year.”

Warmer weather also means dogs spend more time outdoors, increasing the chances of encountering strong scents such as fox droppings.

What owners should do if their dog rolls in something unpleasant

While scent rolling is a natural behaviour, experts recommend a few practical steps to manage it:

• Keep dogs on lead in areas where wildlife is common

• Use recall training to interrupt rolling behaviour quickly

• Carry wipes or water when walking in muddy or rural areas

• Wash dogs with a gentle shampoo if they roll in animal waste

“Although the behaviour can be frustrating for owners, it’s usually harmless,” adds Jo Hinds. “Rolling in scents is simply part of how dogs explore the world around them.”