Why Dogs Roll in Stinky Stuff (and How to Clean Them Up After)

Dogs are curious, adventurous, and sometimes… downright disgusting. Not all dogs, though. We have two: one loves to roll in the most horrid things — cow pats, dead foxes, birds, deer. The other is as disgusted as we are. It begs the question:

Why Do Dogs Roll in Stinky Stuff?

If you’ve ever watched your dog dive headfirst into something foul, you know it’s one of the least glamorous parts of dog ownership. While it feels gross to us, research suggests there are solid evolutionary reasons behind this behaviour. Here’s what I dug up…

Camouflage and Hunting Instincts

One of the strongest theories is that dogs roll in smelly substances to mask their natural scent. Wild canids like wolves in captivity have had their behaviours studied. 

Some dog behaviourists tout this as being done to disguise their smell, making it easier to sneak up on prey that would normally detect a predator’s odour. It’s just a hypothesis. The only likely cause studies suggest is that the scent rolling is “elicited by unfamiliar odours”.

The logic seems simple: by covering themselves with strong outside scents, they “blend in” with their surroundings — a strategy that could once have made the difference between catching dinner and going hungry.

Our dogs have always been free-fed, so hunting isn’t a factor — which makes me skeptical of this theory.

Social Communication and Information Sharing

Rolling in horrendously smelly things may also act as a scented news bulletin in the canine world. That’s a case that evolved from Pat Goodmann of Wolf Park in Indiana, who observed it in wolves – the closest living wild relatives and ancestors of domestic dogs.

Wolves, for example, return to the pack after rolling in something pungent, and other members sniff them to gather intel about food sources, rivals, or unusual discoveries.

In my own dogs, I’ve noticed an interesting pattern. Ours are two brothers: one calm and approval-seeking, the other boisterous and occasionally territorial, clearly taking a “leader” stance. The messy one dives headfirst into filth — the quiet one has never done it.

This makes me suspect that rolling in strong scents isn’t just about the environment; it may be a signal to other dogs, a way of communicating or asserting presence rather than a message for humans.

Scent Marking and Sensory Enjoyment

Another explanation flips the idea around: dogs may be leaving their own scent as a form of marking or claiming territory. Our two patrol the fence and compete when neighbors’ dogs visit — marking is clearly a big deal to them.

There’s also the simple truth that strong odours are fascinating to dogs. Their sense of smell is tens of thousands of times stronger than ours, so what smells revolting to us could be irresistible to them. Behaviourists argue that it’s just plain fun — the sensory stimulation is rewarding in itself.

My Take as a Dog Owner

Having had to hose off a dog covered in cow dung (more than once) and remove the stench of dead animals, I can’t help but think there’s a playful side to it too. I don’t think dogs strategise like their wolf ancestors — they’re just indulging in something overwhelming and novel.

Sometimes I wonder if they think humans can smell as sharply as they do. Maybe by rolling in stink, they believe they’re making themselves “invisible” in a game of hide-and-seek with their human pack.

The Consensus

There’s no single answer. Most experts agree it comes down to a mix of camouflage, communication, and sensory pleasure. What’s clear is that rolling in stinky stuff is natural, instinctive, and not a sign of anything wrong with your dog — though it does mean a bath is obligatory.

How to Wash a Filthy Dog As Hygienically As Possible

Whether it’s dung or the stench of a dead animal, it’s more than just disgusting — it’s unhealthy. Dogs can’t clean this mess themselves, and leaving it risks parasites, bacteria, or painful skin irritation. They need a proper deep clean.

Here’s how to do it without spreading the muck everywhere (or getting your hands filthier than necessary):

1. Get Your Setup Ready

A garden hose is ideal. Second best is a shower tray, though it can get messy. A bathtub works too, but be prepared for an awkward lift if your dog isn’t easy to handle. Get the water lukewarm before the dog comes near. Outside, tether your dog somewhere secure while you prep, so you can go straight to washing.

2. Blast Off the Worst of It

Use the strongest spray setting. A gentle sprinkle won’t cut through dried dung. Angle the spray head to tail to push muck off, not up into delicate areas.

For the face, ears, and eyes, use your hands carefully. Never aim high-pressure water into the nose or ear canal, and be cautious near the eyes.

3. Choose the Right Shampoo (or Emergency Alternative)

Use dog shampoo — it’s pH balanced. Human shampoos are too harsh.

If you don’t have any, mild non-scented soap or a tiny bit of washing-up liquid is okay for emergencies. Even the Blue Cross previously recommended this for occasional cleanups like paint or sticky substances. Remember: temporary only.

4. Work the Shampoo In With a Grooming Tool

Forget the usual “brush before bath” rule for filthy coats — that brush will clog. Instead, use a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt after the hose has got the bulk of the grime out. Use the brush to scrub the remaining dirt out and lather the shampoo thoroughly.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Residue from shampoo (or soap) can irritate skin, especially if you’ve used an emergency alternative. Rinse carefully until the water runs completely clear.

6. Dry and Brush

Towel dry your dog, then lightly brush to remove loose hair and restore coat smoothness. For extremely stinky coats, a second shampoo round may be needed — always rinse thoroughly.

If your dog gives you a hard time at bath time, get them used it because it’ll be much easier when you absolutely need to wash them. 

Get the low-down on normalising bath or shower time in our short-hair dog grooming guide. 

Can You Stop Dogs Rolling in Poop or Dead Animals?

The short answer: no, not entirely. Rolling in stinky things is instinctive to them. But with preparation and training, you can manage it, reduce the mess, and redirect their attention.

Master the Recall Command

When they’re off-lead, your head needs to be on a swivel. During training, our “come” command was used far more than “wait” — if the dog was to try to wait for me to catch up, the temptation of nearby messes would be too strong.

High-value treats are essential: chicken bits or meaty textured treats work far better than ordinary biscuits. Freedom to roam is the reward for good behaviour — if they can’t control themselves, it’s back on the leash.

Recall is one of the most essential commands to teach your dog.

A triple “come, come, come,” raising your pitch each time, signals urgency and grabs attention. Like an emergency command. After two years of near-weekly training classes, that’s the biggest lesson I learned.

Use a Handle Harness

Harnesses with handles, like the EzyDog Convert, are lifesavers. They help control jumping but are invaluable for pulling a dog away from a dead deer or bird. Sometimes treats won’t compete with exciting smells — a handle gives instant control.

Off-Lead Freedom With Caution

Until recall is rock-solid, full off-lead freedom may not be feasible. Our EzyDog Vario 6 adjustable lead gives our dogs up to 5ft of safe exploration while staying within sight. Nylon lines are another option, though we stick with strong, reliable gear given the strength of a pair of Staffies.

To make bath time easier, check out our roundup of the best dog brushes for short-haired breeds — the right tools can save your hands and your sanity.

What’s the most stinky stuff your dog’s rolled in, and how did you get it out? Share your stories in the comments below!