Poop-Covering Reasons
Let’s take a look at a pooches’ motivation for covering up their poop.
To Announce That They’ve Been There
Like other habits, post-excrement behaviour dates back to when dogs were out in the wild. Covering their poop by kicking grass or dirt over it is called “ground scratching,” and it is a mode of communication.
Because of their pack mentality, canines either challenge others so they can become the alpha or demonstrate that they are submissive. Wolves announce their presence by scratching the ground to cover their bowel movements. In addition to the olfactory message, any canine in proximity witnesses the frantic visual display of “I was here, and this is my territory.”
Rubbing Their Sweat Glands To Spread Their Scent
Paw sweat glands and doggy anal glands contain pheromones. Their anal glands squeeze when they poop, causing the smell to cover their bowel movement. As they kick to cover their excrement, the pads of the paws rub against the ground, spreading the scent everywhere. Interestingly, the paw pheromone smell lasts longer than the actual excrement.
Hiding Their Excrement
Conversely, domestic dogs’ ancestors and dogs in the wild hide their excrement from predators to avoid being vulnerable to tracking. It can go either way, broadcasting their presence as far as possible with their scent or burying any by-product (smell or poop) of their being in that place.
Leaving A Message
Dogs can learn a shocking amount of information from sniffing another canine’s poop: which foods the pooper recently consumed, how old they are, which gender they are, if they are healthy and if they are in heat (if female).
Cleaning Up
Excrement can contain diseases and attracts flies and other insects. Dog faeces may have E. coli bacteria and strains of salmonella and giardia. Somehow, canines have learned to cover it up to hide it from insects and hopefully contain any disease or germs. Perhaps they find swarms of insects annoying like we do.
Should You Stop Your Dog From Covering Her Poop?
Veterinarians say it’s an instinctual behaviour and not to force your pup to stop. However, you can redirect your dog during walks so he doesn’t kick up your neighbour’s entire front yard. Bring a treat to get his attention and move him away from his masterpiece as soon as he’s done munching on his treat. Teach him that after he does his business, he will receive a reward from you in lieu of making a mess of someone’s property.
You can also designate a spot in your yard for his pooping pleasure. If you have a mulch area or a hidden place that you don’t mind her defecating in, direct her to that area and reward her each time she moves her bowels there.
Here’s a video of how to train your pooch to relieve herself where you want her to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRN3x-KUDyg.
This video shows how to build a potty area in your yard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7JRj09VX4A.
There are also commercially-made artificial turf products that your pooch can use inside, or you can set up outside in an area where it won’t be damaged by harsh weather.
When To Be Concerned
If Your Pup Suddenly Stops Covering Up Poop
If your dog normally covers up his creation and then suddenly stops, he could have a mobility issue. Observe your pooch to see if he’s having problems with walking, sitting, standing and lying down. You may want to bring your dog to the vet for medical advice. Many pet parents use CBD oil or glucosamine supplements to help relieve their pups’ arthritis and joint pain. You could ask your vet about them or try them out before heading to the vet–or call your vet’s office.
Vets can administer shots and laser treatments.
When Your Dog Is Scratching Concrete or Other Surfaces
If your pup is scratching in the house, he’ll destroy your floors. If he’s scratching concrete or another hard surface, he may hurt his paws. You can try keeping him on a leash, saying “no” and giving him a corrective pull (gentle but firm) when he tries to scratch indoors or on concrete. You might want to ask your vet if she has suggestions. Scratching indiscriminately could indicate that your pooch is feeling anxious. Try to figure out what is upsetting your fur baby so you can address the problem. CBD oil or essential oils may calm him down.
If Your Fur Baby Is Accelerating The Ground Scratching
When a dog starts scratching more, it may mean that she’s stressed about something. Has something changed in your home? Do you have a new pet, or is a construction crew making loud noises a few houses away? Again, CBD oil or essential oils may help.
Conclusion
Some reasons that cause dogs to cover their poop are marking territory, spreading their scent by rubbing their paws’ sweat glands on the ground, hiding the excrement, leaving a message for other pups and cleaning up their mess.
