--- title: Why Does My Dog Roll in Fox Poo? | Fluffs York description: A York groomer explains why does my dog roll in fox poo, the instinct behind it, how to manage the habit on walks and the best way to wash the smell out. --- [![Untitled (400 x 400 px) (250 x 100 px) (1)](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20(400%20x%20400%20px)%20(250%20x%20100%20px)%20(1).png)](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk) - [About](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/about) - Pricing & Packages - [Full Dog Groom](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-prices-and-packages-in-york) - [Hand Stripping](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/hand-stripping-in-york) - [Puppy Grooming](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/puppy-grooming-in-york) - [Wash, Dry & Deshed](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-deshedding-prices-in-york) - [Nail Clipping](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-nail-clipping-cost-in-york) - [Gallery](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-gallery) - [Reviews](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/customer-reviews-fluffs-dog-grooming-york) - Resources - [FAQs](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/faqs) - [Blog](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks) - [Contact](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/contact-fluffs) Dog Behaviour # Why Does My Dog Roll in Fox Poo? A Groomer's Guide to That Smell A York groomer explains why does my dog roll in fox poo, the instinct behind it, how to manage the habit on walks and the best way to wash the smell out. [Lucy](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/author/lucy) May 20, 2026 --- You know the moment. Your dog drops a shoulder, flips onto their back with a look of pure joy, and grinds themselves into something truly foul. Then they trot back to you delighted, wearing a scent that could clear a room. If you are wondering why does my dog roll in fox poo, take heart: it is a completely normal, deeply instinctive dog thing, not naughtiness and nothing to be embarrassed about. Almost every dog does it given the chance. It is annoying and it whiffs, but it is rarely a health worry. Here is what is going on in that happy, smelly little head, and how to manage it (and get the smell out) with the least drama. ## It is an ancient instinct The most widely accepted explanation is that rolling in strong smells is a leftover instinct from your dog's wild ancestors. There are a couple of theories, and both may be true: - **Scent camouflage.** Wolves and wild dogs may have rolled in strong smells to mask their own scent, helping them sneak up on prey without being detected. - **Carrying information home.** Rolling coats them in an interesting smell they can then "share" with the rest of the group, a bit like bringing back the news of what is out there. Fox poo is especially popular because it is pungent and musky, exactly the sort of powerful, complex smell a dog finds irresistible. To your dog, rolling in it is not disgusting. It is the canine equivalent of spritzing on their favourite perfume. ## Why fox poo in particular Foxes are common across York and the surrounding villages, and their droppings are strong-smelling and territorial by design. Dogs are drawn to that intensity. The same goes for other treasures like rotting fish, cow pats and dead things, but fox poo tends to be the number-one culprit on local walks. It genuinely feels good to them, which is exactly why telling your dog off after the fact rarely works. ## Should you worry about it? For the most part, no. A roll in fox poo is a nuisance rather than a danger. That said, a couple of sensible cautions are worth knowing: - Fox droppings can carry parasites and bugs, so keep your dog's worming up to date as your vet advises, and wash the coat off promptly. - Do not let your dog eat it, and wash your own hands after handling a smelly dog. - If your dog suddenly becomes an obsessive roller, or the behaviour comes with skin irritation, itching or other changes, a quick word with your vet does no harm. > **Worth knowing:** Rolling in fox poo is not a sign of a dirty or unhappy dog. It is one of the most natural behaviours there is. Managing where and when your dog can do it is far kinder and more effective than punishing an instinct they cannot help. The [RSPCA's guide to understanding dog behaviour](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour) is a lovely reminder of how much of what dogs do is simply, well, dog. ## How to manage it on walks You will not train the instinct out entirely, but you can dodge most rolls: - **Learn the signs.** That sudden slowing, sniffing intently and the shoulder-dip are your cue. Call your dog away before they commit. - **Teach a strong recall and a "leave it".** Reward generously so coming back to you beats the fox poo. Practise on easy walks first. - **Long line in hotspots.** In fields you know are fox territory, a long training line keeps your dog close without spoiling the fun. - **Reward the good choice.** The moment your dog turns away from something smelly, that is when the treats and praise come out. ## How to wash the smell out When the roll wins (and sometimes it will), here is the calm, groomer-approved approach: - **Act quickly** before the smell sets into the coat. - **Wear gloves** and blot or scrape off any solid mess with paper towel first. - **Bathe with a proper dog shampoo**, working it right down to the skin over the smelly area, and rinse thoroughly. A gentle deodorising or degreasing dog shampoo helps on stubborn fox poo. Never use human shampoo, and avoid neat vinegar or bicarb near the eyes. - **Repeat if needed**, then dry your dog well, especially thick or double coats where damp lingers. - **Check the ears and collar**, which often catch the worst of it. If the smell simply will not shift, or your dog hates baths and turns it into a battle, that is exactly what we are here for. A professional wash gets the coat properly clean and calm, and we can [talk you through prices and packages](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-prices-and-packages-in-york) so you know what to expect. ## Frequently asked questions **Why does my dog roll in fox poo and then look so pleased?** Because to them it is a triumph. Rolling in strong smells is a natural, instinctive behaviour that feels genuinely rewarding, so a proud strut afterwards is completely normal. **Is fox poo dangerous for my dog?** It is mostly a smelly nuisance rather than a danger, but it can carry parasites, so keep worming up to date, wash the coat off promptly and do not let your dog eat it. See your vet if your dog seems unwell. **How do I stop my dog rolling in fox poo?** You cannot switch off the instinct, but a strong recall and "leave it", spotting the shoulder-dip early, and rewarding your dog for turning away will prevent most rolls. A long line helps in known fox areas. **What is the best way to get fox poo smell off a dog?** Act fast, remove the worst with paper towel, then bathe with a proper dog shampoo worked down to the skin and rinse well. Dry thoroughly, and book a professional wash if the smell will not budge. --- *Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. If your dog has found something unspeakable on their walk, we can get them fresh, fluffy and smelling like themselves again. [Book a bath and full groom.](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/contact-fluffs)* [Dog Behaviour](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/tag/dog-behaviour) ## Similar posts Dog Nutrition ### [Can Dogs Eat Rice? A Groomer's Guide to a Gentle Staple](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/can-dogs-eat-rice) Can dogs eat rice? Yes, plain cooked white or brown rice is safe and often helps settle an upset tummy. A York groomer explains how much and how to... Lucy Jul 2, 2026 Dog Nutrition ### [Corn on the Cob Danger for Dogs: Why the Cob Can Be Deadly](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/corn-on-the-cob-danger-for-dogs) Corn on the cob is a serious danger for dogs. The kernels are fine, but the cob causes deadly gut blockages. Learn the warning signs and why you must... Lucy Jul 4, 2026 Dog Nutrition ### [Can Dogs Eat Coconut? 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