If you’ve spent time with dogs, you’ve probably seen them roll around on their back in the grass. This is a silly and endearing behavior that many dog owners love to watch, but does it serve any practical purposes? Read below to find out!

Scratching an itch

Rolling in the grass can help dogs scratch itches. Dogs often get itchy skin due to allergies, insect bites, or dry skin. Rolling in the grass can be a solution for your pup to soothe their itchiness. Since your furry friend doesn’t have opposable thumbs to scratch themself, they often resort to rolling around on the ground. The texture of grass is particularly useful for soothing itchiness due to its rougher texture. Rolling on grass also removes any excess fur that may be causing discomfort for shedding dogs.

That being said, keep an eye on your pup if it continuously rolls in the grass. Occasionally, using grass to scratch an itch is perfectly normal, but when a dog does this persistently, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. Excessive itchiness could indicate an allergic reaction to food, flea bites, or specific allergens your pup has. If Fido consistently rolls around and shows discomfort, consult your veterinarian.

Cooling down

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies. Canines mainly cool down through the sweat glands in their paw pads and by panting. This can make it difficult for your furry friend to get a break from the heat during hot summers. Rolling in the grass is a way for your dog to regulate their temperature, as the cool ground underneath provides relief from the heat. Grass is generally cooler than dirt or pavement, especially on a hot day, making it a good option for dogs to cool down.

When your pup rolls in the grass, its stomach is exposed to moving air and cool ground. Since Fido’s stomach has less fur, this cools your pup off faster than touching the ground with other body parts covered in fur. Grass blades often have moisture on their surface, providing another cooling effect for your dog. Rolling in the grass in this situation is often an instinctive reaction, helping dogs adjust to rapid temperature changes when they are overheated. Although it may look silly, spreading out in the grass may be the extra help your pup needs to cool down this summer.

Utilizing Scent

Canines love picking up new smells since scent is their most prominent sense. When dogs roll in the grass, they pick up other scents and leave behind their own, which is an essential aspect of canine communication. Rolling in grass deposits their scent from their skin’s scent glands onto the ground. This behavior allows dogs to get a sense of which pups were in the area before them and also leaves their mark for others. In this way, rolling in the grass is strategic for dogs. Dogs have a natural desire to do this as a way of marking their territory or communicating with other pups. Blades of grass are the perfect surfaces for holding various scents, making this even more appealing for dogs.

Expressing Happiness

Lastly, and perhaps the sweetest reason your pup rolls around in the grass, is to express happiness. There’s not always a specific purpose for this act other than to express unbridled joy. Your pup may roll around in happiness when you take them to the park, when they are with their furry friends, or simply because they are happy to be outside. Rolling in grass is a form of a happy dance for many dogs, which can also make their owners happy.

Not only does rolling in the grass express happiness, but it can also create even more joy for your pup. The feeling of the grass on their backs, the cool air on their tummies, and the freedom and smells of being outdoors all contribute to their joy. This sensory stimulation and enrichment can be rewarding for both you and your pup.

Should I Stop Fido from Rolling in Grass?

Rolling in grass is typically harmless for dogs, especially when they do it to cool off, pick up new scents, or express happiness. However, if you notice your pup rolling in grass more than usual and they appear to be experiencing excessive itchiness or discomfort, this is something to note. Rolling in grass can worsen a pup’s allergies and create a vicious cycle of itchiness, so be wary of this.

You may also want to stop your dog from rolling in grass in certain locations. If you know grass was treated with chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides, keeping your pup away is a good idea. Typically, quickly surveilling the area before allowing your dog to explore will prevent your furry friend from rolling in anything unsanitary or harmful. Other than this, rolling in grass is a relatively harmless behavior for your pup to take part in.

Now you know why Fido loves to roll around in the grass. The next time you see your furry friend do this, you can refer to this list of explanations to try to understand their rationale—or you can simply enjoy watching them!