My dog has rolled in feces!
As a dog owner, it’s not uncommon for your furry friend to occasionally get into some messy situations, such as rolling in poop. While it may be an unpleasant experience, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any potential health risks and get rid of that unpleasant odor.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean your dog after they’ve rolled in poop, as well as tips for preventing future incidents. By following our expert advice, you can ensure your pet stays clean and smells fresh.
Why do dogs roll in poop?
As a dog owner, one of the most unpleasant behaviors your furry friend might display is rolling in poop. While it might seem gross to us, this instinctive behavior is actually quite normal for dogs, and there are several reasons why they do it.
One of the primary reasons why dogs roll in poop is to mask their scent. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and by covering themselves in another animal’s feces, they can effectively hide their own scent and avoid detection by predators. This behavior is especially common in wild dogs and wolves, but it can also be observed in domesticated dogs.
Another reason why dogs roll in poop is to communicate with other dogs. Dogs use scent as a means of communication, and rolling in poop can convey information about their diet, health, and social status to other dogs in the area.
Step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog when it has feces on its fur
- First, assess the situation. Is the feces hard or soft? If it’s hard, it may be easier to remove the feces with a well-suited dog brush. If it’s soft or runny, you’ll need to bathe your dog using water and dog shampoo.
- Put on strong rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and other contaminants the feces might contain.
- Use a towel to carefully remove any excess feces from your dog’s fur. Be gentle to avoid spreading the feces further.
- Fill a tub or basin with warm water and add dog shampoo. Make sure you use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs, as human shampoo can dry out their skin.
- Place your dog in the tub or basin – to minimalize distraction, consider smearing a tasty treat such as peanut butter on the side of the basin, as this will help to divert their attention while you wash their fur.
- Use a large cup or jug to pour the warm water over the affected fur. Be careful to avoid getting water in their eyes, ears, and nose.
- Work the dog shampoo into a lather and massage it into your dog’s fur. Pay extra attention to the area with the feces. As feces is especially stinky, leave the dog shampoo in for around 10 minutes to sink in and work its magic.
- After, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all the dog shampoo. You can repeat again with the shampoo if you feel like there are feces remaining, or to ensure the smell is washed out and then re-rinse after.
- Dry your dog with a towel or blow dryer, depending on their coat type. Make sure they’re completely dry to avoid skin irritation.
When to seek professional help
While you may be able to clean your dog yourself, it’s important to be cautious and ensure that you’re cleaning your dog’s fur thoroughly to avoid any potential health hazards.
In some exceptional circumstances, seeking professional help from a dog groomer or even a veterinary professional may be even more important. For example, if the dog has rolled in the feces of an unknown animal, it may be more difficult to identify potential health hazards, such as parasites or infectious diseases. In these cases, it’s important to seek advice from a veterinarian, who can provide guidance on any necessary treatment or preventative measures.
Additionally, if your dog has rolled in feces and is exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. These symptoms could be signs of an underlying infection or parasitic infestation, which can be more serious and require prompt treatment.
Tips for preventing future incidents
While it’s difficult to stop this behaviour from happening, there are a few things you can do to avoid repeating the incident again.
- Supervise your dog closely during walks and try to steer them away from areas where other animals may have pooped.
- Teach your dog basic obedience commands such as “leave” or “come” to prevent them from getting too close to feces.
- Keeping your dog on a leash during walks gives you more control over their movements and reduces the likelihood of them rolling in feces.
Conclusion
While this guide requires mostly washing your dog, other situations with more tricky substances require a different approach by cutting off fur, such as removing nail polish from your dog’s fur.
FAQs
How do I get the smell of poop off my dog?
To get the smell of poop off your dog, start by wiping away any excess feces with a damp cloth. Then, use a pet-friendly shampoo to bathe your dog, focusing on the affected area. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary. You may also want to use a pet-safe odor neutralizer to help remove any lingering smells.
Do I need to wipe my dog after pooping?
Usually, a routine dog grooming session will prevent the need for wiping your dog’s rear end every time they poop. However, it’s a good idea to wipe your dog’s rear end if there is some feces left behind and stuck to their fur. Use a damp cloth to gently clean the area.
