How many times do we see our dog rolling in the grass, running towards us with his shaggy fur and we don’t understand why? Dogs express themselves in a very different way than we do and they understand and approach their surroundings following their instinct. Crawling on the ground it’s a way to discover the world and communicate.
When we let our dog run free in the countryside, he often rolls around on the grass. This strange dog behaviour comes from his natural animal instinct. However, if this happens too frequently, we should try to understand the causes to ensure that our dog is calm and healthy. 
When the dog rolls on the grass
There are three main causes of this dog behaviour: the heat, itching and the pleasure of discovery.
The dog is hot
When your dog is particularly hot, he will roll over on damp grass to cool down and get relief from the high summer temperatures. As a matter of fact, it’s important to remember, that our furry friends have a natural fat layer that, together with their fur, can make them suffer a lot from the heat. This is particularly the case with breeds that originate from cold places and live in places with milder temperatures for which they are not predisposed. If the dog is particularly hot, other symptoms, such as panting, will occur, and this will help us to understand the causes of its behaviour.
For this reason, it is important to have water for our dogs at all times during the warmer months. We can use a practical travel water bottle. The one by Ferplast, for example, is equipped with an integrated drinking container, resealable, space-saving and available in three sizes, 0,25 l, 0,55 l and 0,75 l. Or the space-saving collapsible silicone bowl, which is robust and non-slip, to ensure that your dog always has fresh water.
The dog is itchy
Another cause of this dog behaviour is itching. Since he cannot scratch his back with his paws, the only way to relieve the discomfort is to roll on the ground and grass. The itching can be caused by parasites such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, or by an allergic reaction. In the first case, it is advisable to take care of your dog’s coat with a brush. The GRO 5838 comb, for example, removes parasites while brushing and cleaning the coat with rounded chrome-plated metal teeth. If your dog is having an allergic reaction, instead, you should always consult your vet.
Your dog smells something new
Sometimes, it happens that your four-legged friend starts rubbing himself against the grass for no apparent reason. The reason may be the fact that the dog is related to the wolf, behaving in this way when he smells something new. The wolf, in fact, rolls on the grass to transfer the new smell onto his fur and passe it on to the entire pack. The dog also rubs himself on the grass to get rid of a particularly unpleasant smell, to feel comfortable and to be calm.
Rolling on the grass is one of the most common and funny dog behaviours, so there is no need to worry, but understanding the causes can improve our communication and strengthen our bond.