Dogs can be wonderfully energetic pets. While that playfulness usually results in fun games and fetch or friendly wrestling matches, the mischievousness can sometimes get them into a bit of dirty trouble, such as rolling around in the grass. If you’ve ever wondered why your pooch loves to stop, drop, and roll during each walk, here are some of the likely reasons and also why you might want to book a grooming appointment afterward.

Dogs, Grass, Rolling & Baths

Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?

Believe it or not, one of the most likely reasons why your dog loves to roll in the grass is because of a primal instinct. While their wolf ancestors were on a hunt, the last thing the pack would want is for their prey to smell them coming. The hunters would roll in the grass to hide their scent, allowing them to get within striking distance of their feast. Although your dog probably isn’t prowling for prey, that hunting technique is still coded in their DNA and bubbles to the surface when a lush patch of grass is discovered.

Ancestral ties aren’t the only reason why dogs love to roll in the grass, however. They could also be marking the territory by leaving a bit of their own scent behind, experiencing a bit of obsession that can be quelled with behavioral techniques, expressing their personality, or simply scratching a pesky itch!

Should Dogs Be Bathed After Rolling in the Grass?

While there are dangers that could be lurking in the grass such as ticks and fleas, there’s usually no reason to panic when your pet decides to have a bit of fun. They might, however, come out of the experience smelling a little funky. Between fertilizer, mud, and the droppings of other animals, there’s plenty on the ground that can make arranging a grooming appointment a priority after a roll. It’s important, however, to make sure your dog is washed with the appropriate products. What smells amazing to humans might be unbearable to dogs. Grooming with unscented shampoos will get your pooch looking sharp without sending them right back to the grass.

If your dog has picked up some unwanted smells thanks to some raucous rolling in the grass, Almost Home Pet Resort in Covington, KY, is ready with the grooming solution. Since opening in 1995, the boarding and grooming facility has offered the best in pet care services, including comfortable and safe extended-stay areas for dogs and cats. Visit the website for more information on the services available or call (859) 356-8181 to speak with a friendly representative today.