[www.keralites.net] Why Do Dogs Scratch the Ground After Defecating?

 

Scraping after defecating sends a message to other dogs passing by. It is normal for dogs of both sexes to vigorously kick the ground with their hind legs after defecating. This is called scraping or peeling out. Some dogs will also do it after urinating. Dogs are descended from wolves, which also perform this behavior. It is not a bad habit, but a vital part of a dog leaving a visual message and scent message to any other dogs that happen to pass by   Function Dog paws contain scent glands. There are also glands in between the toes. The action of scraping the paws against the ground helps release the scent inside of the glands. Dogs scrape the ground in order to increase their scent on the area near the feces pile, according to veterinarian Dr. Justine Lee. Before domestication, dogs wandered in large territories. One vital way to communicate with other wandering dogs is through scent marking. This instinct has not been bred out of the domestic dog. Origin Dogs are descended from wolves, which also scrape the ground after defecating or urinating. Wolves needed to mark their territories often because these territories were too large in order to patrol every day. Other wolves encroaching on the territory of other wolves could steal game or mating opportunities with females. By scent marking, including scraping, one wolf is telling others to keep away or there will be a fight. From the NET Nandakumar .

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