Gross Things Your Dog Does: 8 Shocking Habits Explained
Discover why your dog engages in gross behaviors and what they really mean for your pet's health.
We adore our dogs for their unconditional love and loyalty. But sometimes, when receiving one of those big puppy kisses, we remember exactly where their mouths have been. Yes, its true: dogs are as gross as they are lovable. From snacking in the cat litter box to sniffing their friends unmentionables, our canine companions have some truly questionable habits that can make even the most devoted dog parent cringe.
But whats behind some of their less-charming behaviors? Understanding these quirky and often disgusting habits can help us better care for our furry friends and recognize when behavior might signal a health concern. Lets dive into eight of the grossest things dogs do and discover the surprising reasons behind them.
1. Eating Their Own Poop
Coming in at number one is perhaps the most repulsive habit some dogs develop: eating their own feces. If youve observed this behavior in your dog, the good news is that youre not alone. In a 2010 Colorado State University study published in the Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior, researchers found that between 40.5 and 59.3 percent of participating dogs occasionally indulged in this habit.
The behavior seems to be innate, harkening back to a time when dogs lived in the wild. Back then, eating stool was a way to keep the den tidy and control the spread of parasites. “Dogs want to keep their areas clean and will eat their own feces—a mama dog will eat her puppies’ feces, as well,” explains Lisa L. Sickles, a certified dog behavior consultant.
While this behavior is undeniably gross, it’s often completely normal. However, if your dog is excessively eating feces or if you notice other signs of illness, consult your veterinarian to rule out nutritional deficiencies or digestive issues.
2. Eating Their Own Vomit
It doesn’t matter how fast you clean it up—some dogs will immediately try to make vomit into another meal. This stomach-turning habit is more common than you might think. “Over the years, I have seen many dogs vomit and then quickly consume it,” says Camille King, a certified dog behavior consultant.
The reason? “I believe that the dog can smell undigested food—high in protein and fat—in their vomit and be enticed to consume it,” King explains. From your dog’s perspective, they’re simply reclaiming a meal that was interrupted, and the smell of protein-rich vomit is too tempting to resist.
While this behavior is unpleasant for us to witness, it’s usually not harmful to your dog. However, if vomiting is frequent, it could indicate an underlying health issue. Keep an eye on your pet and consult your veterinarian if you notice chronic vomiting.
3. Licking Their Wounds
Dogs love to lick their wounds, hence the infamous “cone of shame” that veterinarians prescribe. While the behavior is off-putting to humans, it may actually be helpful for your dog’s recovery. “There are thoughts that a dog’s saliva contains compounds that aid in healing—antibacterial and antiviral qualities, some that inhibit bacterial growth, others that are pain relievers,” says Sickles.
Despite these potential benefits, too much licking can be a bad thing. Excessive licking can delay healing, introduce bacteria, and cause further irritation. “Make sure that it’s done in moderation,” Sickles advises. As always, consult your veterinarian if your dog has an injury or sore—modern medicine offers much more effective treatments than saliva alone.
4. Sniffing Their Friends’ Hindquarters
If you walked into a cocktail party and began sniffing rears, you’d be asked to leave. But for dogs, this is considered perfectly acceptable “getting to know you” behavior. While it seems gross to us, there’s actually a sophisticated communication system at work.
“Smelling the genitals of the animal is how dogs learn about each other,” explains King. Through this behavior, dogs can smell each other’s pheromones, decide if a female is in season, pick up on adrenaline levels, understand if a male is intact, learn where another dog’s territory is located, and much more. It’s basically their version of a handshake—or rather, a full background check.
Gross? Absolutely. But at least you know your pup has good social skills and is following proper canine etiquette when meeting other dogs.
5. Rolling in Smelly Things
To some dogs, a smelly pile of decomposing leaves is more inviting than a feather-top mattress. A roll around in whatever is rotting is all but irresistible to many canines. Your pup’s wild ancestors might be to blame for this particularly off-putting habit.
“Some think that wolves would roll in something and take it back to the pack so that the others would know what to hunt for,” says Sickle. “Others think that dogs are masking their own scent.” Both theories have merit and could explain why your dog returns from walks covered in mysterious and foul-smelling substances.
Then again, you could just have a fun-loving pup. “For some dogs, it’s just a life reward,” says Sickle. “Rolling in yucky stuff is fun.” Regardless of the reason, it’s important to bathe your dog regularly and check for any parasites or skin conditions that might result from rolling in outdoor debris.
6. Licking Their Private Areas
Again, this is one of those habits that, while repulsive to humans, is good housekeeping for canines. Your dog is simply grooming themselves down there, says King, and there’s no need to discourage the behavior. Licking their genital area is a normal part of a dog’s grooming routine, similar to how cats clean themselves.
However, if you notice excessive groin licking, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Your pup may have engorged anal glands or a urinary tract infection, both of which require professional treatment. Excessive licking can also indicate allergies, skin infections, or other health concerns that deserve veterinary attention.
7. Drinking From the Toilet Bowl
Considering that dogs snack on cat litter and eat vomit, it might not be shocking that they’ll happily take a drink from the toilet bowl. Even so, it’s gross, and many dog owners wonder: is there something wrong with our dogs’ water bowls?
Not likely, says King. The toilet’s water is simply colder, and dogs like a cool, refreshing drink as much as you do. The ceramic bowl of a toilet also maintains a lower temperature than a regular water bowl, making it more appealing during warm weather or after playtime.
To discourage this behavior, try cleaning and refilling your dog’s water bowl more often throughout the day. Consider investing in a pet water fountain, which provides continuously circulating, cool water that many dogs find more attractive than stagnant bowl water. Remember to put down the toilet lid as well—this simple step prevents your pup from accessing this particular water source and reduces the risk of them ingesting any harmful bacteria or chemicals.
8. Eating Cat Litter
One of the most baffling gross habits dog owners encounter is their pet’s attraction to cat litter boxes. Dogs seem inexplicably drawn to what cats have left behind, often treating the litter box as an all-you-can-eat buffet. This behavior, while disgusting, usually stems from the protein-rich nature of cat waste and the way cats’ food (typically higher in protein than dog food) makes their waste particularly aromatic and appetizing to dogs.
To prevent this behavior, keep the litter box in an area your dog cannot access. Many owners place litter boxes in bathrooms with a cat door, allowing feline access while keeping dogs out. Alternatively, you can use baby gates or elevated cat furniture to create a dog-free zone for your cat’s litter box.
Why Do Dogs Do These Gross Things?
Understanding the motivations behind these behaviors can help you manage them more effectively. Many of these habits are rooted in evolutionary biology and survival instincts. When dogs lived in the wild, many behaviors that seem gross to us served important functions: maintaining den cleanliness, consuming available food sources, gathering information about other animals, and marking territory.
Additionally, dogs lack the social conditioning that humans have. They don’t understand our concept of disgust or hygiene standards. To them, these behaviors are completely normal and often serve practical purposes. Recognizing this can help us approach these habits with patience and understanding rather than frustration.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While most of these behaviors are normal, certain signs should prompt a veterinary visit:
- Obsessive or compulsive engagement in any of these behaviors
- Accompanying symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Excessive licking or grooming that causes skin damage
- Sudden onset of behavior that was previously absent
- Signs of distress or pain
If your dog shows any of these warning signs, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or behavioral disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it dangerous if my dog eats their own poop?
A: While eating their own poop isn’t ideal, it’s usually not immediately dangerous. However, eating other animals’ feces or cat litter can expose your dog to parasites and bacteria. If your dog is compulsively eating feces, consult your vet to rule out medical issues or nutritional deficiencies.
Q: Can I train my dog to stop these gross behaviors?
A: Some behaviors can be managed through environmental control (like keeping litter boxes inaccessible or closing toilet lids) or training. However, many are deeply ingrained instincts that are difficult to eliminate completely. Working with a certified dog behavior consultant can help develop strategies tailored to your dog.
Q: Should I be worried if my dog rolls in dead animals or poop?
A: Rolling in smelly things is normal dog behavior, but you should be concerned about parasites or diseases. Bath your dog promptly after rolling in anything suspicious, and watch for signs of illness like lethargy, vomiting, or skin irritation.
Q: Why does my dog drink from the toilet instead of their water bowl?
A: Dogs often prefer toilet water because it’s colder and fresher. Ensure you’re changing your dog’s water bowl regularly and keeping it clean. A pet water fountain can also encourage your dog to drink from their own bowl instead.
Q: Is my dog’s saliva really healing?
A: Dog saliva does contain some antibacterial compounds, but it’s not a substitute for proper medical care. Excessive licking can actually prevent wounds from healing properly. Always consult your vet for wound care and follow their recommendations, which may include the infamous “cone of shame.”
Q: How can I stop my dog from eating cat litter?
A: Place the litter box in a room your dog cannot access, use a cat door to allow only feline access, or elevate the litter box on furniture. You can also try using a covered litter box or installing a baby gate to create a designated cat space.
Conclusion
Our dogs may engage in behaviors that make us squirm, but these habits are usually completely normal from a canine perspective. Understanding the reasons behind these gross behaviors helps us respond with patience and appropriate management strategies. While most of these habits are harmless, staying vigilant for signs of health issues ensures your dog stays happy and healthy. Remember, what seems disgusting to us is simply how dogs navigate their world—and with proper care and management, we can coexist peacefully with these lovable, quirky companions.
References
- Prevalence of Canine Coprophagia — Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior, Colorado State University. 2010. Researchers Hart and Hart documented that 40.5-59.3% of dogs engage in coprophagia behavior.
- Canine Behavior and Communication — American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Official resource on canine behavioral science and consultation standards for certified behavior consultants.
- Dog Saliva and Wound Healing — UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Department of Clinical Animal Behavior. Information on antimicrobial properties of canine saliva.
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