You’re out walking with your dog on a lovely day, and they suddenly throw themselves on the ground and roll in a smelly section of grass. Later, you look away for only a few seconds and they snatch another dog’s poop for a snack. Then, they start howling at the ambulance sirens in the distance. What gives? These common dog behaviors can be perplexing for pet owners, but they are actually perfectly normal.
So, why do dogs do what they do? The Fremont Animal Hospital team can tell you from our experiences meeting thousands of dogs that—in our official medical opinion—dogs are plain weird, and a little gross, too. Just kidding! We love dogs and want to help you understand your canine companion, so we’re sharing the reasons behind these common, but strange, dog behaviors.
#1: Why do dogs eat grass?
The general consensus is that nobody really knows why dogs eat grass, but scientists’ best guess is that they simply enjoy the taste. The age-old theory that dogs eat grass to vomit doesn’t hold water, because most dogs don’t actually vomit afterward. Grass-eating is typically harmless unless the behavior becomes compulsive, because dogs who consume too much at once could obstruct their intestines.
#2: Why do dogs eat poop?
Again, the theory is that dogs simply enjoy the taste of poop. Gross? Yes. Normal? Also yes. Another potential explanation is that since dogs evolved as scavengers, poop may have helped provide nutrients when food was scarce.
#3: Why do neutered or spayed dogs hump other dogs?
Humping in spayed or neutered dogs, or intact puppies, is rarely a sexual behavior or an attempt to “dominate” anyone. Instead, dogs may hump when they become overly excited or as normal play behavior.
#4: Why do dogs chase their tails?
Tail chasing is typically playful and harmless. If you had a tail, you might also find chasing it fun! However, if your dog seems to be trying to chew their hind end rather than chase their tail, they may have anal gland problems, and need a veterinary visit.
#5: Why do dogs spin before lying down?
Wolves spin before lying down, most likely to tamp down the grass and debris and create a softer resting place. Although your dog’s bed is already plenty comfortable, they may spin as a residual ancestral behavior.
#6: Why do dogs howl?
Howling is a communication tool among wolves and coyotes, and your dog likely howls to acknowledge other nearby dogs. A specific pitch or noise, such as music or a siren, will sometimes trigger this behavior in your dog’s brain.
#7: Why do dogs lick?
Licking is soothing for dogs and helps them relieve pent-up anxiety. Licking can also be a dog’s communication tool, such as licking humans to express affection or get attention, and licking other dogs as an appeasement—or, “I come in peace”—gesture.
#8: Why do dogs tilt their heads when you talk?
Dogs likely tilt their heads adorably sideways to help them locate the source of an interesting sound or because they are listening carefully for words you say that they may recognize. But, if your dog always holds their head sideways, they may have an ear or balance problem and need veterinary attention.
#9: Why do dogs kick their feet?
Dogs kick and scratch at the ground after going to the bathroom outside to spread their scent around and let other dogs know they are in the area. The more dogs who live around your home, the more likely your dog will do this.
#10: Why do dogs roll on the ground?
Some dogs roll on the ground simply because they enjoy the activity and they feel good, while others roll when they find interesting—albeit often disgusting—scents that they can use to disguise their own scent from predators or prey.
Abnormal dog behaviors
Many odd dog behaviors are considered normal for the species, while others are normal for a specific pet. But, some are universally abnormal, or caused by a medical issue. Contact our team to discuss training and treatment options if you notice any of the following at home:
- Phobias — Exaggerated fearful responses, such as hiding, shaking, destruction, or running away, are not only dangerous but also will worsen over time. Common triggers include noise, veterinary care, restraint, strangers, and other dogs.
- Compulsions — If your pet behaves so obsessively that you cannot distract them, they may have canine OCD and need medication and behavioral treatments to function normally. Warning signs include spinning, air snapping, excessive licking, and non-stop barking.
- Anxiety — Anxiety manifests in many different ways, depending on the cause. Possible signs in your dog include drooling, urinating, defecating, destroying objects, whining, restlessness, and hypervigilance.
Most of the time, your dog’s odd behaviors have a reasonable explanation, despite never seeing another dog do the same thing. Dogs, like people, are individuals, with individual personalities and quirks. When in doubt, contact the Fremont Animal Hospital team, who can help sort out whether your dog’s behavior is normal, abnormal, or caused by an underlying medical issue. We can also refer your pet to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist if they need further help.
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