Why Dogs Roll in Fox Poo And How to Stop It

You’ve just given your dog a bath, they’re squeaky clean… and then, within seconds of being outside, they dive head-first into a pile of fox poo. It's foul-smelling, deeply unpleasant, and bizarrely common. But why do dogs do this? And more importantly, can you stop it?

Let’s explore the reasons behind this stinky obsession and how to deal with it.

Why Do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo?

There isn’t one definitive answer, but there are several strong theories based on canine instincts and behaviour:

1. Scent Masking (Instinct from the Wild)

In the wild, wolves (dogs’ ancestors) may have rolled in strong-smelling substances like animal faeces or dead things to mask their own scent while hunting. This helped them sneak up on prey undetected.

While your dog isn’t exactly stalking a rabbit for dinner, the instinct may still be hard-wired.

2. Communication Tool

Another theory is that dogs roll in strong smells to carry information back to the pack. It’s like saying, “Hey, look what I found!” by sharing the scent on their coat.

This behaviour might once have helped dogs relay the location of food or predators to others.

3. It’s Fun (and Feels Good)

Rolling around in fox poo is just… fun, apparently. Dogs love strong smells — the stinkier, the better — and the texture and scent of poo might be a sensory delight to them, even if it’s a nightmare for us.

Why Fox Poo in Particular?

Fox faeces has a very strong, musky odour that dogs seem to find especially irresistible. It’s oily, pungent, and lingers in the fur — making it ideal for scent transfer from your dog’s perspective.

To us? It’s just disgusting.

Can You Stop a Dog from Rolling in Poo?

Yes — with consistency and training. But it takes time.

Here’s how to reduce the chances:

• Use a lead in known fox hotspots, especially early morning or dusk when foxes are active.

• Teach a strong “leave it” or “come” command using rewards. Practice in distraction-free areas before moving outdoors.

• Keep your eyes peeled — if you see your dog getting into “the roll” position, interrupt immediately and redirect them.

• Some owners find that dog repellent sprays or citrus-scented products deter their dog from certain areas.

• Regular exercise and stimulation may help reduce boredom-driven behaviours.

Even the best-trained dogs can occasionally give in to their instincts — especially if they think you’re not watching!

How to Get Rid of the Smell

If it’s already happened, here’s how to deal with the aftermath:

• Don’t delay — the longer it sits, the worse it gets.

• Use a dog-safe shampoo, ideally one made for odour neutralising (look for “fox poo shampoo” – yes, it exists!).

• Tomato ketchup or lemon juice used to be popular, but they’re not great for skin and are less effective than modern products.

• Rinse thoroughly, especially in the neck and shoulder area (the favourite rolling zones).

• Follow up with a dog conditioner or soothing spray if their skin is sensitive.

Final Thought

Dogs roll in fox poo because it’s instinctive, it’s sensory, and they think it’s brilliant — even if we don’t. While you might not be able to stop it completely, with training and awareness, you can reduce how often it happens. And if it’s already too late, there are plenty of products that can help get your dog (and your nose) back to normal.