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How often do we wish that dogs could explain themselves? While our fluff balls are lovable, they occasionally do some decidedly odd things. We asked dog behaviour expert Nathan Williams (dogbehaviourspecialist.com.au) to translate.
Why do dogs sniff each other’s butts? “Just from scent alone, a dog can smell hormones and determine how another animal is feeling: anxious and afraid or calm and confident,” explains Nathan. ”But if they want clearer information, they will go to where scent is secreted at the highest level with the most amount of scent information, which is typically the rear end and genitals.”
It’s normal for a dog to eat small amounts of grass every now and again, says Nathan. “But if they are eating grass regularly it might be to help balance the acidity in their gut, which can often be due to wheat or corn in their diet making acid levels in their stomach extremely high.”
Why do dogs get the ‘zoomies’ after a bath (and then find something gross to roll in)? “Zoomies are normally related to anxiety – a build-up of cortisol (stress hormone) in the system. This stress is directly related to a change to perceived normality,” says Nathan. “So if ‘free rein’ is your dog’s normality, and then you contain him while you wash and dry him, this creates stress. Once released, your dog makes a desperate attempt to get that freedom back. Dogs who are consistently calm don’t get the zoomies.”
Ever noticed a dog kicking up grass and dirt with their back feet after going to the toilet? “Dogs lay scent in numerous ways, the most common of which is through urinating. However, dogs perspire through their feet, which also releases scent. So scraping their feet on the ground after peeing has two parts: one is a postural physical display typically from a controlling and/or hormonal dog, and the other is laying scent on the ground from their feet,” says Nathan.
Why do dogs drag their butt across the ground? “This behaviour is related to discomfort or an itch in the rectum,” explains Nathan. “Dogs have a gland in the anus that can get inflamed and irritated.” If your dog does this often, Nathan advises seeing a vet who can express the gland to give your dog relief. Itchy or irritated skin can also be caused by intestinal parasites, dog soaps and even certain foods, so it’s wise to visit the vet.
Check out this 101 guide to keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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