You’d be forgiven for thinking your furry friend is practising good hygiene by wiping his paws after toilet time, but sadly, this is not the case. Kicking the grass behind himself following either urination or defecation is common dog behaviour, regardless of breed, gender, and size.
The purpose of this cute little ‘dance’ is to spread the scent of his pee, additionally marking the area with pheromones secreted from glands in his paw pads. This smell is unique to each individual, and indicates his presence to other canines.
Pooches are highly scent-orientated, so this ritual not only defines their territory, but also helps them to communicate with others, and establish a hierarchy. The only time you need be concerned is if you notice paw-wiping increasing or decreasing in frequency, which could indicate a change in pack dynamics, or a problem with your pup’s feeties that requires further investigation, especially if he seems to be in any discomfort. ❤
~ Tania Marie de Saram
Wipe Your Paws
