Ever Wonder Why Dogs Kick Dirt After Pooping? Science Has the Answer

Photo byAmerican Kennel Club

Every dog owner has probably seen it – that amusing, albeit slightly frustrating, ritual where our furry friend finishes their business and then, seemingly for no reason, kicks up a storm of dirt. If I were growing crops, the tilled earth and the organic fertilizer might come in handy.

So, why this hilarious canine quirk?

The Curious Case of Canine Dirt-Kicking

Given that dogs aren't too keen on surveys or feedback forms, ethologists (scientists who study animal behavior) have to observe.

One particularly dedicated ethologist, Dr. Marc Bekoff from the University of Colorado, Boulder, embarked on a study in the 1970s. His goal was to figure out why dogs seem intent on re-landscaping every time they answer nature's call.

Dr. Bekoff's discoveries were intriguing. Dogs, it turns out, have scent glands neatly tucked between their toes. These are called interdigital glands, producing secretions bursting with pheromones. When our doggo friends scratch the ground, these secretions mingle with the dirt and get tossed into the air, spreading their unique scent.

Canine Social Networking

Beyond the aromatic messages, the very act of scratching leaves a visible mark – a signpost for other dogs. This multi-layered signaling – the mix of scent and visual clues – paints a vivid picture in the doggy world.

Dr. Bekoff suggests this behavior could be a combination of olfactory and visual signals, enhancing a dog's messages to its peers.

In human terms, while we might struggle to decode these "canine posts," it's similar to how we might use emojis, images, and text in a tweet or a Facebook post. Composite signaling isn’t just a human thing. Our pets are essentially sharing their own version of multimedia messages.

Conclusion

To bring it all home: the next time your furry friend flings dirt your way, remember they're simply indulging in a little social networking.

In Bekoff's study, only about 9% of dogs exhibit this earth-kicking behavior, and guess what? I'm lucky (or unlucky, depending on the day) to have one of those dirt-flinging doggies.

But understanding the "why" behind it all has given me a newfound appreciation. If I can spend my day sending texts, emails, and tweets, why shouldn’t my dog have his moment in the sun (or dirt)?