The dog rolls on its back: why?
Rolling is not limited to dogs. Other mammals also like to roll around on their backs, and not just in the dirt.
This often has a very banal reason: animals cannot scratch themselves like we humans can. Since paws and claws are not as flexible as our arms and hands, they have to help themselves in other ways. Parts of the body that are difficult to reach, such as the head, neck, back and rear, can then be brought under better control by rolling.
Body hygiene is also sometimes the cause of wallowing, as can be seen in pigs, for example. Dogs, for example, roll to get something stuck in their fur off their bodies.
If the dog rolls frequently, inspect it closely
If the dog doesn't roll in the dirt but instead rolls in the grass, for example, this is usually to scratch. On warmer days, the body temperature can also be regulated; particularly cool, damp ground is a blessing for the dog.
If your four-legged friend rolls around almost non-stop, it's best to take a closer look at him: Although it may well be that he simply enjoys the activity, sometimes there are annoying parasites such as fleas and ticks behind it. Then it's worth inspecting the fur carefully.
Rolling on the carpet and in the basket as a sign of comfort
Most of the time, dogs roll around outdoors. But many animals also like to roll around in the apartment. They like to use carpet for this, but there are also four-legged friends who move back and forth in their basket on their backs.
Often this is probably an attempt to mark one's own territory. The dog emits its scent mark and, it thinks, prevents competing animals from entering its territory. But that's not the only reason for wallowing in your own four walls.
Many animals obviously enjoy rolling around and relieve tension. In a familiar atmosphere – ideally with the owner nearby – the dog can reduce stress and express his comfort. The furry darlings often love to have their stomachs scratched; some dogs also use rolling to encourage people to play.
The dog's towel
Even after swimming or in the rain, many dogs take the first possible dry opportunity to roll around extensively. And that's not such a bad idea: rolling around serves as an animal towel, so to speak, with which the four-legged friend dries himself off.
In closed rooms, most animals prefer rough surfaces such as carpets. Outdoors they often wallow in sand or dusty ground. Moisture is quickly neutralized, but it also makes the dog dirty by human standards.