When you let your dog outside, they may make a beeline for the lawn and proceed to roll around in the grass. Canines roll for a variety of reasons. Although rolling behavior is perfectly natural, it can result in a mess when your dirty pup comes back inside. A quick dog grooming to clean them off is in the interest not only of dirt-free carpet but also of their health. Find out why below. 

Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?

Rolling is a behavior inherited from wolves—distant cousins of domestic dogs. Wolves get a scent to cling to their fur by rolling in it. They then carry it back to the pack, where the group assesses the aroma. Is the smell a threat or potential prey?

Dogs may roll around in grass to get rid of unwanted smells. Canines have a sharper sense of smell than humans. Even if your four-legged friend smells fine to you, they may have an aroma in their fur they want to nix. Using an odorless shampoo during bath time keeps the scent of cleaning products from overwhelming their olfactory sense.

Another cause of rolling is itchiness. If your dog's rolling seems excessive—or more than usual—check them for possible irritants. A skin rash, fleas, or ticks may be to blame. If you can't identify a cause, pay a visit to the veterinarian to make sure you aren’t missing the source of irritation. 

Is Dog Grooming Afterwards Necessary?

Your dog’s health is the primary reason to clean them off after they’ve had a vigorous roll. They may pick up fertilizer or pesticides from it, for example. Your dog may later ingest these poisons when they lick their fur and become quite ill. 

Although you can't restrict a dog's perfectly natural rolling behavior, you can give them a deep clean to lessen negative repercussions. Liberty Veterinary Hospital in the Liberty Township area of Ohio provides dog grooming in addition to comprehensive pet care services, from surgeries to animal vaccines. Accredited members of the American Animal Hospital Association, these professionals are known for their high-tech yet personalized treatments. Visit their website to learn more about their dog grooming services. For a pet care appointment, call (513) 755-9700.