why do dogs roll in fox poo

Why Do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo

It’s one of those things dog owners dread: you’re enjoying a lovely walk, your dog’s happily exploring, and then—disaster. They’ve found a pile of something foul-smelling and, without hesitation, rolled straight in it. More often than not, it's fox poo. But why do dogs do this?

This behaviour is rooted in instinct. Wild canines like wolves roll in strong or unusual smells to mask their own scent. This can help with hunting, as it disguises their presence from prey. While your pet dog no longer needs to hunt for survival, some of these natural instincts remain. Rolling in fox poo may feel like a clever move to your dog—it hides their scent with something more “interesting” or “useful” in the dog world.

Another reason is simply that it’s enjoyable to them. As unpleasant as it is for humans, dogs often find strong smells stimulating or exciting. Fox poo might smell absolutely revolting to us, but to a dog, it’s a full sensory experience that they just can’t resist.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Fox Poo

Sometimes it’s not just rolling. Some dogs might try to eat it too. If this happens, try to stay calm but act quickly. Move your dog away from the area and offer water. Eating fox poo can expose your dog to parasites like worms or bacteria such as Campylobacter or Salmonella, which can lead to stomach upset or infection.

It’s a good idea to contact your vet, especially if your dog shows signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy afterwards. Your vet may advise worming treatment or recommend a check-up, depending on your dog’s health history.

What Does Fox Poo Look Like?

Fox poo is usually dark in colour and has a distinctive, pungent smell. It’s often found in the open, on grass or paths, and may contain bits of fur, feathers, berries, or even bones. Its shape tends to be tapered at one end and twisted, similar to small dog poo, but with a much stronger odour. Once you’ve smelled it, you’ll never forget it.

What to Do If Your Dog Rolls in Fox Poo

If your dog’s had a good roll, you’ll know about it instantly. The smell is incredibly strong and doesn’t go away with a simple rinse. First, keep your dog away from furniture, carpet, and anything else you’d like to stay clean.

Use a designated dog shampoo, ideally one made for neutralising strong odours. There are shampoos specifically designed to tackle the stench of fox poo. It may take more than one wash to fully remove the smell, especially around the neck, shoulders and sides—where dogs most often roll.

After washing, keep your dog warm and let them dry thoroughly. If the smell lingers, another bath the following day might be needed.

How to Stop Your Dog Rolling in Fox Poo

Stopping this behaviour takes a bit of training and consistency. One effective approach is to improve recall and attention while walking. Teach your dog a strong “leave it” or “come” command so you can redirect them before they dive in.

Keeping your dog on a lead in areas where foxes are active or known to leave droppings can help reduce the chance of them finding it. You can also try distracting them with a toy or treat when you sense they’re about to roll. The earlier you interrupt the behaviour, the easier it is to avoid.

In some cases, the rolling habit can become quite ingrained. If it’s a persistent problem, working with a dog trainer or behaviourist can help.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Fox Poo from a Dog?

A regular shampoo won’t do much against the smell of fox poo. You’ll need a shampoo with enzymes that break down organic material, or one made specifically for removing strong odours.

Thoroughly soak your dog’s coat first, then apply the shampoo and work it deep into the fur. Rinse and repeat as needed, especially in the areas where the poo was rubbed in most. After the bath, dry your dog well, and be prepared for a second wash if needed. Some owners also keep a stash of dog wipes for minor clean-ups in case of less dramatic rolls.

Is It Harmful to Dogs?

Fox poo itself isn’t toxic, but it can carry harmful bacteria and parasites. These can make your dog ill, particularly if they ingest any of it. Worms, giardia, and bacteria like E. coli can all be present in faeces. While a one-off roll isn’t likely to cause major harm, repeated exposure—especially eating it—can increase health risks.

Keeping up with regular deworming and vet checks is important if your dog has a habit of rolling or munching on things they shouldn’t.

Do Dogs Find It Fun to Roll in Fox Poo?

In a word—yes. For many dogs, rolling in fox poo is a kind of thrill. It’s mentally stimulating, satisfies their curiosity, and probably feels pretty exciting to them. The smell might even elevate their mood in the same way certain scents make us nostalgic or happy.

It’s not about being naughty or trying to upset you. Dogs simply live in a different sensory world, where smells tell stories and offer entertainment. That stinky roll could be the highlight of their walk.

Risks Associated with Rolling in Fox Poo

The biggest risks are health-related. Contact with faeces can expose your dog to pathogens that lead to stomach upsets or infections. If you have children or other pets at home, those pathogens could spread if your dog isn’t cleaned properly.

Another risk is the inconvenience—many dogs do this during walks and then get straight in the car, or worse, the house. The smell clings to everything and is notoriously hard to remove. Repeated washing can also dry out your dog’s skin if not done carefully, so always use proper grooming products.

It’s Not Just Fox Poo

Dogs aren’t picky. Fox poo is just one of the most common (and smelliest) offenders in the UK countryside, but dogs also roll in dead animals, bird droppings, badger poo, and even compost. The key idea is that anything with a strong, lingering scent can be appealing to dogs. If you expand content later, this could become a broader article like “Why Dogs Love Rolling in Smelly Things”.

It's a Type of Scent Camouflage

To dig further into the instinct theory: in the wild, rolling in something pungent may help a predator get closer to prey undetected. It masks the dog’s own natural scent with one that’s “foreign” to their target. Some experts believe this behaviour is still wired into domestic dogs even though they no longer need to hunt.

It's a Way of Sharing Information with the Pack

Some animal behaviourists suggest dogs roll in strong scents and then bring the smell back to their pack. The scent acts as a kind of message—"Look what I found!" Dogs with strong pack instincts may do this more often, and it could explain why some dogs seem proud after rolling in something gross.

Some Dogs Are More Prone to It Than Others

It’s not just about breed. Personality plays a role. Curious, bold, or especially independent dogs may be more likely to roll. Dogs that are bored or under-stimulated might also resort to behaviours like this as a form of enrichment.

Some Owners Accidentally Reinforce It

When your dog rolls in fox poo and you immediately start yelling or chasing them to stop, it can become a game. The attention—even if it’s negative—can reinforce the behaviour. Dogs learn fast: “If I roll in this stuff, my human gets very animated. Fun!”

If you want to break the cycle, staying calm and redirecting with treats, toys, or commands works better long-term.

Summary

Rolling in fox poo might seem like a revolting habit, but to your dog, it’s a perfectly natural and even enjoyable behaviour. Whether it’s about instinct, fun, or curiosity, understanding why it happens can help you manage it. While it’s rarely dangerous, it can carry health risks and create plenty of mess. With good hygiene, consistent training, and a sense of humour, you can handle the stink—and maybe even prevent the next fox poo fiasco.