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Your dog has done it again—that split-second drop-and-roll into the foulest smell in the park. Fox poo has a uniquely pungent, musky stench that can make your eyes water and your stomach turn. The good news? You can get rid of it.
This guide covers why dogs roll in fox poo, how to identify it, step-by-step clean-up methods, health risks to watch for, and training techniques to stop the habit. Whether you're dealing with a fresh incident or a repeat offender, you'll find practical solutions that actually work.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This article provides general information about fox poo and dog behaviour. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten fox faeces and shows signs of illness, or if you have concerns about parasites, please consult your vet. Keep your dog's worming and parasite prevention treatments up to date as recommended by your veterinary practice.
Dogs roll in fox poo because of deeply ingrained survival instincts, not because they're trying to annoy you. Before domestication, wild canines used strong-smelling substances to mask their own scent. This made it easier to sneak up on prey and harder for predators to detect them.[1]
There's also a communication element. When a dog rolls in something potent, they may be bringing that "scent signature" back to share information with their pack—a bit like leaving a message for other dogs about what they've found.[2]
Some behaviourists believe dogs simply enjoy the sensory experience. Strong, unusual smells trigger a dopamine response. What smells revolting to us may genuinely be exciting or pleasurable to your dog.
Here's the frustrating part: dogs don't perceive the smell as disgusting the way we do. With over 100 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity compared to our 6 million, their olfactory world is completely different from ours.[3] They're not being naughty—they're just being dogs.
Fox droppings look similar to dog poo but are usually pointed or twisted at one end. The colour is typically dark, almost black, in rural areas. Urban fox poo tends to be lighter because foxes living in towns eat more human food waste.[4]
Look closely and you'll often spot undigested contents—bits of fur, feathers, small bones, seeds, and berries. Foxes are opportunistic feeders, and their droppings reflect their varied diet.
Location matters too. Foxes leave droppings in prominent spots to mark territory—on paving slabs, fence posts, grassy mounds, or the middle of paths. If your dog suddenly dives for a specific spot, there's a good chance they've found a fox's calling card.
The smell is distinctive: a sharp, musky, almost chemical odour that lingers far longer than ordinary dog mess. Once you've experienced it, you won't forget it.
The faster you act, the easier the clean-up will be. Fox poo has an oily texture that bonds to fur, so don't wait until you get home if you can help it.
Use pet-safe wipes, paper towels, or even grass to scrape away solid matter before your dog has a chance to rub it deeper into their coat. Work from the outside edges inward to avoid spreading it further.
Keep the BUGALUGS Biodegradable Dog Wipes in your walking bag for emergency clean-ups. Plastic-free and suitable for paws, face, and body.
Wear rubber or disposable gloves. Fox poo transfers easily to skin and clothing, and the smell is stubborn. If you're out without gloves, use multiple plastic bags over your hands.
Once home, rinse the affected area with warm water to loosen remaining residue. For particularly bad cases, a cold hose can help as a first pass before moving to warm water and shampoo.
Getting rid of the smell requires breaking down the organic compounds that cause the stink. Here are methods dog owners swear by, from kitchen cupboard remedies to specialist products.
Tomato ketchup is surprisingly effective at neutralising fox poo odour. The acidic compounds in tomatoes help break down the organic proteins causing the smell.[5]
Apply the ketchup liberally to the affected area and massage it in. Leave it for 10-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow with dog shampoo. Some owners use 500g or more on larger dogs—don't be shy with it.
Warning: Ketchup can leave a pink tinge on white or light-coloured coats. If your dog is pale, you may want to use a specialist shampoo instead.
For stubborn smells, dedicated fox poo shampoos are your best option. Products like Animology Fox Poo Shampoo and Johnsons Fox Poo Shampoo are specifically formulated to break down odour molecules rather than just masking them.[6]
These shampoos are pH-balanced for dogs and often include built-in conditioners to protect the coat. Many contain deep-cleaning agents that penetrate the fur and neutralise the smell at its source.
For harnesses, collars, and leads that have absorbed the smell, look for antibacterial deodorising sprays designed for pet equipment. A standard wash often isn't enough to eliminate the odour from fabric.
Award-winning formula with Pro-Vitamin B5 that neutralises odour at the source. Deep cleaning with built-in conditioner.
Fox poo isn't just unpleasant—it can pose genuine health risks to your dog. While rolling in it is usually harmless, licking or eating fox faeces is a different matter.
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a potentially serious parasitic infection that can affect dogs. Foxes are major carriers, and their droppings can contain lungworm larvae. Dogs don't catch lungworm directly from fox poo, but infected faeces can contaminate the environment. Slugs and snails pick up the larvae, and dogs become infected when they eat these—or even their slime trails.[7]
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing, lethargy, poor blood clotting, and unexplained bleeding. Left untreated, lungworm can be fatal. The good news? Monthly preventative treatments prescribed by your vet can protect your dog.[8]
Fox faeces may contain roundworm eggs (Toxocara) and hookworm larvae. If your dog ingests contaminated material, these parasites can cause digestive upset, weight loss, and other problems. Regular worming treatments reduce the risk significantly.
Like any animal faeces, fox poo can harbour bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. While the risk from skin contact is low, dogs that eat fox poo may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, or more serious gastrointestinal infections.
When to See a Vet
If your dog has eaten fox poo and shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, breathing difficulties, or unusual lethargy, contact your vet promptly. Mention the fox poo exposure so they can consider parasitic causes.
Prevention is always better than another bath. While you can't eliminate the behaviour entirely (it's hardwired), you can manage it with training and supervision.
A solid "leave it" cue is your best defence. Practice at home first with treats and toys, rewarding your dog when they disengage from something tempting. Gradually build up distractions until the command is reliable outdoors.[9]
Timing matters. You need to intervene the moment your dog spots the fox poo—before the sniff-and-drop motion begins. Once they start rolling, it's too late.
If your dog is a repeat offender, keep them on a long training lead (5-10 metres) in areas where foxes are common. This gives them freedom to explore while allowing you to intervene quickly if they find something suspicious.[10]
Strong nylon rope with padded handle. Perfect for recall training in high-risk areas while giving your dog freedom to explore.
A reliable recall is essential. If your dog comes back immediately when called, you can interrupt the rolling sequence before it starts. Use high-value treats to make coming back to you more rewarding than investigating fox poo. For local recall training options, see our guide to the best puppy training classes in Folkestone, Hythe and Dover.
If foxes are visiting your garden, consider deterrents to reduce the chance of your dog finding "presents" on home turf. Motion-sensor lights, citrus sprays, or commercial fox repellents can help. Remove any food sources that might attract foxes in the first place.
Pet-safe citronella formula deters foxes without harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly and safe for children and pets.
Sometimes home efforts just aren't enough. If you've tried everything and the smell persists, or if your dog has a thick or double coat that's trapped the odour deep within, a professional groomer can help.
Groomers have access to industrial-strength deodorising baths, high-velocity dryers that flush odour from the undercoat, and professional-grade products designed for exactly this problem. They're also experienced at dealing with difficult coat types that hold onto smells.
It's worth having a local groomer's number saved for emergencies. A quick call after a particularly bad rolling session can save hours of scrubbing at home.
It's instinctive behaviour rooted in survival. Wild canines rolled in strong scents to mask their own smell from prey and predators. Your dog isn't misbehaving—they're following ancient instincts. Some dogs are more prone to rolling than others, regardless of training.
Rolling in fox poo is generally harmless, but eating it poses risks. Fox faeces can contain parasites like lungworm and roundworm, as well as bacteria. Keep your dog's worming treatment up to date and contact your vet if they eat fox poo and become unwell.
Yes, many dog owners find it effective. The acidic compounds in tomatoes help neutralise the odour. Apply generously, leave for 10-20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. Be aware it may temporarily tint light-coloured coats pink.
Train a reliable "leave it" command and practice recall with high-value rewards. In high-risk areas, use a long lead to maintain control. Watch for the tell-tale sniff-and-circle behaviour that signals rolling is about to happen.
Animology Fox Poo Shampoo is widely recommended and won the PPRA Pet Product of the Year award. Johnsons Fox Poo Shampoo is another popular choice. Both are pH-balanced for dogs and designed to neutralise odour rather than mask it.
The Animology Fox Poo Shampoo (250ml) is Amazon's Choice in the UK. Deep-cleaning formula with Pro-Vitamin B5—removes the stink without stripping your dog's coat.
Fox poo rolling is one of those frustrating dog behaviours you'll probably never fully eliminate. But with the right clean-up products on hand, solid training, and an understanding of why your dog does it, you can minimise the drama.
Keep a specialist shampoo stocked, work on that recall, and remember—to your dog, they're not being disgusting. They're wearing the finest perfume nature has to offer.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This article provides general information about fox poo and dog behaviour. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten fox faeces and shows signs of illness, or if you have concerns about parasites, please consult your vet. Keep your dog's worming and parasite prevention treatments up to date as recommended by your veterinary practice.
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