If you’ve ever stared at your pet with a look of utter confusion and wondered, “Why the heck do they do that?” you’re not alone. While you’ve gotten to know your pet very well over the years and have come to love their fun idiosyncrasies, chances are you still don’t know the exact reasons behind some of their behaviors. While you easily come up with your own reasons why your furry friend does something weird, you may be surprised to discover the real reasons behind many of your pet’s quirks. Our team at Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital answers common questions about pet behavior mysteries.

Question: Why does my pet eat grass?

Answer: Pets have many potential reasons for eating grass. However, most pets eat grass for one of these common reasons:

  • To supplement nutrition — Grass is rich in protein, fiber, lipids, water-soluble carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. A pet may eat grass because they’re lacking fiber or nutrients in their diet. 
  • To pass the time — Like people, pets can get bored without adequate environmental enrichment, social interaction, or mentally stimulating activities. A pet who occasionally eats grass may simply be looking for something to do. 
  • To help with digestion — Grass’s fiber content can help the gastrointestinal (GI) system force out indigestible material. Because cats and dogs lack the enzymes necessary for digesting grass, they may eat grass to induce vomiting when they are not feeling well. 
  • To act on their instincts — Your pet’s ancestors likely ate grass to help them clear out foreign bodies and parasites because of its high fiber, and in some cases, a pet may simply be eating grass instinctively. 

While grass may not be harmful, the herbicides and pesticides sprayed on it can be toxic to pets. If your pet develops poisoning signs after eating grass, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team. 

Q: Why does my pet dig?

A: While you don’t appreciate those unsightly holes in the yard, digging is a natural canine behavior. The reasons behind a pet’s digging include:

  • Natural instinct — In the wild, dogs dig to look for food, and a small rodent or animal who leaves their scent in the yard may trigger your pet to go into hunting mode. 
  • Boredom or anxiety — A dog may dig because they lack mental stimulation or physical exercise. A dog experiencing separation anxiety may also dig in an attempt to escape.
  • Physical comfort — Digging a hole in cool dirt can provide relief from hot weather and help dogs regulate their body temperature.

Q: Why does my pet roll in smelly things?

A: Several theories exist about why pets roll in dead things or other smelly substances. Your pet may roll in smelly things for any of the following reasons:

  • Masking their scent — When hunting, your pet’s wolf ancestors would roll in strong scents, such as a dead animal, to mask their own scent from unsuspecting prey. 
  • Communicating with others — Wolf ancestors hunted for food together, and your dog may want to communicate to others that they have found prey.
  • Leaving their scent — Pets often leave their scent on something to mark their territory so your pet may be claiming the smelly thing as their own. 

Q: Why does my pet scoot their hind end along the carpet?

A: Pets most commonly scoot along the carpet because of an anal gland issue. The anal glands are two small sacs inside the anus that fill with a thin, foul-smelling fluid that is naturally expressed during defecation. However, inflammation or infection can create a problem with that natural expression, causing pressure and discomfort for your pet. Along with scooting to relieve the pressure, you may also notice swelling around your pet’s anus, excessive licking, and a fishy odor. If the anal glands become overfilled and painful, your pet may also strain to defecate, or vocalize in pain as they try. Impacted anal glands can rupture without prompt treatment and cause a great deal of pain for your best friend. As soon as your pet begins scooting, or licking or chewing their hind end, contact us to schedule an anal gland expression appointment.

Q: Why does my dog eat poop?

A: Coprophagia, or ingestion of feces, is one of the more unpleasant behaviors dogs display, especially if they lean in for a kiss after indulging. Whether your dog steals “tootsie rolls” from the litter box, eats their own stool, or seeks out poop piles during walks, coprophagia is a puzzling behavior. Theories abound about why dogs eat poop, from lack of nutrients, to anxiety, to disease conditions that cause insatiable hunger. However, we rarely understand exactly why dogs do this. In general, it’s likely a learned behavior that they partake in simply because they find it enjoyable. If your dog eats poop, talk to our team about ways to discourage this gross behavior. 

If you’re concerned about your pet’s behavior or need to schedule your pet’s next wellness exam, contact our team at Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital.