Why are dogs instantly drawn to mud?

 

WHY DOES MY DOG LOVE ROLLING IN MUD?

Have you ever wondered why dogs love to roll in mud?

For most dogs rolling in mud and muck comes as second nature to them especially after a bath. Dogs are genetically programmed to love mud – happy and domesticated dogs love  a muddy puddle. This could be your worst nightmare, as all you want to do is keep your pup clean, but maybe it's no coincidence when it occurs when they're at their cleanest, straight after a bath.

So why do Dog’s like mud so much?

Dogs rolling in mud or other unpleasant substances is a behaviour that has different explanations.

            

1 – Dogs find the mud fun of course:

 It's fun of course. The splashing and rolling around in the mud. As a past owner of Labradors and Spaniels, i know all too well. Buts it's not the main reason

2 – For temperature control :

Many animals will use mud as a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. By lying with the belly in the water (mud can be an instant relief from the heat and acts as a natural cooling mechanism, similar to how humans use water to cool down. But its still not the main reason they are drawn to mud...

3 – Trying to mask their scent:

In the wild, animals might roll in strong smelling or pungent substances to mask their own scent. This behaviour may have originated as a way for dogs to disguise their natural odour to either avoid predators or enhance their hunting abilities.

4 – They don’t like their own smell:

If we think that dogs like bubble baths – we’re wrong! 

Our fury friends might look like modern day dogs and they are domesticated. But their genes are still 98% wolf. By bathing our pets, we remove their natural smell. Dogs will cover themselves in mud to restore their own unique scent.

Dogs communicate with other dogs using their scent, which could be unpleasant for us - but social interactions become nearly impossible especially when it goes against their instinctive behaviour to just blend in. This behaviour could have originated as a way for dogs to disguise their natural odour to either avoid predators or enhance their hunting abilities.

Dealing with a mucky pup

With some dogs, at certain times of the year, it’s inevitable that your dog may end up covered in mud – it’s not the end of the world if you are prepared.

If you have to travel home in the car – I can suggest a  matt for them to sit on, and drying mitts for taking the worst of the mud off.

When you get home any dry mud can be brushed off.  If you need to bath your dog, use a natural soap with no chemicals in it, after which your dog can be placed in a drying coat to remove excess mud. 

Why do Dogs Rub Their backsides on the ground?

 When a dog scoots or drags its bum on the ground, it is often a behavior known as "scooting."

There can be several potential reasons why a dog might exhibit this behaviour, but it doesn't mean they have worms.

Anal Gland Issues: Dogs have anal glands, also known as anal sacs, located on either side of the anus. These glands produce a smelly secretion that is normally expelled during bowel movements. However, if the glands become impacted or infected, a dog may scoot to try to relieve the discomfort or express the glands.

In fact, if you notice your cat or dog suddenly stop in their tracks and turn around to lick that area, chances are there is blockage in the glands. The area around the dogs anus can become itchy and irritated. It makes sense that to relieve the itchiness and discomfort, they drag their backsides across the lawn or your favourite rug.

Why does this occur?

Well, stopping the AG'Sfrom blocking in the first place is ideal. These scent glands that are meant to empty each time they do their business. Yet, if the stool isnt firm enough to squeeze the glands on the way out, the glands continue to fill up and become itchy.

So how can you help?

So, one way to ensure this is sufficient fibre in their diet. Another is to express the anal glands. Some people are more comfortable having this done at a veterinary clinic but you can also learn how to do this at home. 

If this problem persists it will be advisable to consult your local veterinarian.