Why Do Dogs Like Fox Poo? Understanding This Odd Behaviour

Dogs’ attraction to fox poo is a well-known but somewhat perplexing behaviour that has intrigued dog owners and animal behaviourists alike. This habit, known as “coprophagia” (the consumption of faeces), isn’t just limited to fox poo; dogs can be drawn to various types of faeces, including those of other animals. To understand this behaviour, we need to explore several potential reasons that tap into dogs’ evolutionary history, instincts, and sensory preferences.

1. Evolutionary Instincts and Ancestry

One of the primary explanations lies in the evolutionary history of dogs. Dogs’ ancestors, wolves, and other wild canids, had to scavenge for food in the wild, where resources were often scarce. Eating faeces, particularly those of herbivores, could have provided them with extra nutrients that they couldn’t obtain otherwise. Although domestic dogs have regular meals provided by their owners, these instincts may still be hardwired into their behaviour.

2. Scent-Marking and Communication

Another significant factor is related to scent-marking. In the animal kingdom, scent plays a crucial role in communication. By rolling in or even consuming fox poo, dogs might be trying to cover their scent with that of a wild animal. This behaviour could stem from their ancestors, who would mask their scent to avoid detection by predators or when hunting prey. The strong odour of fox poo is particularly potent, making it ideal for this purpose.

3. Sensory Stimulation

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, much more acute than humans. What humans consider a repulsive smell, dogs might find incredibly stimulating. Fox poo is particularly pungent, and its strong odour might be interesting or exciting to a dog. This could be similar to how humans are attracted to strong perfumes or pungent cheeses, despite their sometimes overpowering smells.

4. Seeking Attention

In some cases, dogs might roll in or eat fox poo as a way to gain attention from their owners. If a dog learns that this behaviour elicits a strong reaction—whether it’s positive or negative—it might continue to do it just to get that attention. Dogs are social animals and may repeat behaviours that they perceive as effective in engaging with their human companions.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Although less common, some veterinarians suggest that dogs might be attracted to faeces, including fox poo, due to nutritional deficiencies. If a dog’s diet is lacking certain nutrients, it might instinctively seek faeces to compensate for what it’s missing. Faeces can contain undigested food particles, vitamins, and minerals that might seem appealing to a dog with an unbalanced diet.

6. Natural Curiosity and Exploration

Finally, dogs are naturally curious creatures who explore the world with their noses. Rolling in or eating fox poo could simply be an extension of this curiosity. They might be investigating the new scent or taste out of pure curiosity, much like how they sniff around and investigate other objects in their environment.

Conclusion

In summary, the reasons why dogs are attracted to fox poo are multifaceted and deeply rooted in their evolutionary history, instincts, and sensory perceptions. Whether it’s due to ancestral behaviours, scent-marking, or a desire for sensory stimulation, this habit, although unpleasant for dog owners, is a natural part of being a dog. Understanding these underlying motivations can help owners manage and perhaps stop your dog rolling in fox poo, although it might be challenging to eliminate it due to its instinctual nature.