Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my dog roll on dead animals on walks and smell bad?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 36 lbs

Why does my dog love rolling around on carcasses she finds during walks? She's rolled on dead birds, a dead coyote and dead bunnies. It's very odd and she smells horrible after!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 17th, 2017

Hi there! I know what you are going through as one of my dogs does this as well. This is likely the dog trying to spread his own smell to try to "overpower" the smell of another dog or something else (urine, feces or dead animals). It is a way of marking territory. What I do is start telling him not to do it at the earliest sign that he is about to do it and then reward him immediately with a treat. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By John C. Gicking, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on February 15th, 2018

    Do not hesitate to ask, that is what we are here for! That is a normal behavior for dogs. They love the smell of a dead animal and want to cover themselves with it. It is disgusting to us humans, but to the canine species, it is the finest perfume. There is no significance to that behavior beyond knowing that it is normal.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored