28/06/2026
Why do dogs roll in fox poo?
There are several theories as to why dogs are so determined to cover themselves in fox poo!
Dogs are naturally drawn to strong and unusual smells, and fox poo has a very distinctive, powerful scent. While it smells awful to us, many dogs find it incredibly stimulating and interesting, which is why some seem almost delighted when they discover it.
One widely accepted explanation is that this behaviour stems from their hunting instincts. Before domestication, dogs and their wild ancestors needed to hunt to survive. By rolling in strong scents, they may have been able to disguise their own smell and approach prey without being detected. Although, I'm not entirely convinced that smelling like another predator would necessarily have been an advantage!
Many experts believe that dogs simply enjoy the smell. What we find unpleasant can be highly appealing to dogs because of the way their brains interpret scent. Rolling in it may be rewarding or satisfying to them, much like humans wearing a favourite perfume or aftershave.
Another theory is linked to communication. Dogs rely heavily on scent, and carrying unusual smells back to their social group may have been a way of sharing information about where they had been and what they had encountered.
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain — fox poo smells absolutely dreadful, especially on the car journey home, and it can be incredibly difficult to wash out!
I was listening to a podcast today, and one of the guest speakers, a professional groomer, claimed that the best way to remove fox poo from a dog's coat is tomato ketchup.
Has anyone tried this? Does it actually work?
