Why Does My Dog Roll On Cockroaches? [Explained With Examples]

Dogs have sharp noses and will find new and exciting things. Sometimes, your canine family member might find something to roll on like dead cockroaches! Is that normal behavior? Is it safe?

 

In this article, we discuss why your dog might roll in something like dead cockroaches and some of the dangers cockroaches pose to your canine family member.

Why Does My Dog Roll-On Dead Cockroaches?

Dogs rolling on dead cockroaches is actually a part of a larger behavior that traces back to when ancient wolves would roll deceased animals. Now, you may have a dog that rolls in about anything, including cockroaches. But is it safe? In this following article, we look at why your dog might roll on dead bugs and dead animals and some of the dangers it poses to your dog.

 

Why Do Dogs Roll/Rub-On Dead Bugs?

Dogs rolling on cockroaches is actually a part of a larger behavior.

 

Dogs are known to roll on dead animals and other smelly things. Some experts believe this behavior is reminiscent of their older ancestors like the wolves.

 

Wolves used to roll on dead or smelly things to mask their scent during a hunt. Your dog rolling around in the trash could be trying to replicate the behavior of their ancient ancestors.

 

Another theory is that rolling around on the smelly thing they found, it is also a way of notifying other dogs in the neighborhood of your dog’s discovery.

Why Do Dogs Roll On Dead Worms?

If your dog has a habit of rolling around on dead worms, this isn’t a habit that is cause for concern. They’re merely fulfilling the ancient behavior of their wolf ancestors.

 

As mentioned, wolves used to roll on dead animals before hunting to mask their scent. Your dog rolling on dead worms is just repeating this behavior in the modern-day. Dogs rolling in dead worms also allows them to enjoy the scent of it.

 

While the habit isn’t a cause for concern, you should be mindful of what your dog rolls in to limit the chance of exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses that rolling in deceased animals can bring.

Dog Rubbing Face On Dead Animal?

Just like rolling on dead bugs, a dog rubbing its face on a dead animal can mean a few things going back to their ancestral wolf relatives.

 

One theory suggests that dogs rub their face on dead animals to leave their scent there, almost like warning other possible predators to stay away from their things.

 

Another theory, similar to the ones discussed previously, suggests that dogs are trying to “wear” the scent of the deceased animal like their wolf ancestors would disguise their scent during a possible hunt.

Why Do Dogs Like Cockroaches?

Cockroaches, like most bugs, can catch your dog’s attention.

 

Dogs are attracted to bugs, including cockroaches because they catch your canine’s attention and curiosity. If dogs see a bug crawling or flying, your dogs might be reminded of their favorite toy and go to investigate.

 

Be careful though because cockroaches could present a potential health risk to your dog.

Do Cockroaches Bother Dogs?

Cockroaches do not bother dogs as a flea or tick does. But cockroaches are not afraid of dogs, but having a dog can help scare away a few cockroaches.

 

If a dog eats a cockroach, the dog may be allergic to the insect or it could cause health problems. In most cases, if a dog eats one cockroach, it isn’t an immediate threat but it is still not a behavior to encourage.

 

If it cockroach has been poisoned with insect repellent, it could affect your dog’s well-being.

Can Cockroaches Make My Dog Sick?

Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria.

 

Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus because the insects eat anything from trash to excrement. If your dog were to eat a cockroach tainted with this bacteria, it could affect your dog’s health.

 

If your dog eats a cockroach occurs, keep an eye on your dog, and consult with your veterinarian.

What To Do If My Dog Ate Cockroach

As mentioned, if your dog eats a cockroach, keep an eye on them and consult with your vet.

 

Some parts of the cockroach, such as the shell and the exoskeleton can pass easily through the dog’s digestive tract. This is especially true of larger dogs. However, this may be difficult for smaller dogs. Smaller dogs may have difficulty passing a cockroach’s exoskeleton because it is not something a dog’s stomach can break down like foot.

 

Likewise, cockroaches are also known to carry bacteria. While an uninfected cockroach might be harmless to your dog if it is eaten, it’s ill-advised to let your dog continue to eat cockroaches.

 

Another thing to watch for is a possible allergic reaction. Some dogs might be allergic to cockroaches.

Do Cockroaches Bite Dogs?

Yes, cockroaches can bite dogs, especially if provoked.

 

Cockroach bites are non-venomous but can be very painful. If your dog is bitten by a dog, your pet may also have symptoms like mild swelling and irritation. If your dog is covered in a lot of cockroach bites, you should consult your vet.

 

While cockroach bites can’t transmit diseases like a tick or flea, the insect is known to carry bacteria. That can pose a health risk to your dog, especially if they’re bitten by a cockroach or have many cockroach bites.

Are Dogs Attracted To Roach Traps?

Surprisingly, yes. Dogs, as well as cats, are attracted to roach and ant traps.

 

This is because sugary bait often found in the traps to attract insects also attracts our pets. If a dog ingests the trap, the small amount found in the trap will usually not cause major damage other than an upset stomach. But, you should be aware of the problem and consult your vet if suspect a serious issue.

 

However, the plastic packaging that the traps come in is much more of a concern and a choking hazard. The plastic can be trapped in the dog’s digestive tract or become a choking hazard.

 

If you suspect your dog has ingested a large cockroach or bait trap with a large amount of poison or a large amount of plastic packaging, contact your vet or the emergency vet to determine the appropriate steps to take.

Dog Ate Roach Sprayed With Raid

Raid cannot be dangerous to your dog unless they ingest it somehow. But some of the ingredients in the raid can cause an allergic reaction.

 

If your dog eats a roach or insect that has been sprayed with Raid or consumes any of the poison, keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing up blood, collapsing, a racing heart, strange behavior, and pale gums.

 

You should take your pet immediately to the vet for treatment and also consult the emergency pet poison control if it is available in your area.

Can Cockroach Poison Kill A Dog?

If your dog eats a cockroach that has been poisoned, the small amount may be small enough not to cause any real damage. But you must keep an eye out for serious symptoms, such as the ones previously mentioned, and take your dog to the vet for treatment.

 

Some symptoms and signs to watch out for are mouth pain, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, uncoordinated gait, and liver/kidney failure.

 

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a roach poisoned by insecticide, no matter how big or small, and are worried about your dog’s well-being, you should consult with a vet to determine the proper steps.

Do Dogs Scare Roaches Away?

Dogs can scare cockroaches away, but they are not effective at scaring away large populations of cockroaches within an area, like a home.

 

Only take provocative steps like using a regular exterminator and keeping your home clean and officially deter any cockroach infestations.

Can Dogs Sense Roaches?

With a dog’s sharp nose and sense of hearing, they could detect a cockroach.

 

If your dog sense’s a cockroach, it may tilt its head to the side and have its ears back, listening to a cockroach’s movement. Your dog may grow more excited with a cockroach the closer it comes.

 

Your dog may also sense more cockroaches at night rather than during the day. Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal so your dog may be able to sense more of the insects at night rather than the day.

Do Roaches Like Dog Pee?

Cockroaches are attracted to things like old food, urine, and fecal matter. Dogs waste is no exception to this.

 

Make sure to clean up properly after your pet to avoid a cockroach infestation.

Conclusion

If your dog rolls on dead bugs like worms or cockroaches, it is normal behavior for them that harkens back to their ancient wolf ancestors. It’s shows your dog connecting to their hunting instincts. But you should be aware and mindful of your dog’s interactions with insects like cockroaches and the health concerns it could present.

References

https://www.aspca.org/news/dont-panic-five-items-pet-parents-shouldnt-worry-about https://www.healthline.com/health/are-cockroaches-dangerous#how-to-eliminate