Have you ever noticed that most dogs have the peculiar habit of running in the same spot before finally managing to have a bowel movement? But do you know what all this preparation is for? We will explain here what are the existing theories involved in this process and what scholars have to say about it. Keep reading and find out why the dogs roll before defecating!
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Over time, many theories have emerged with the aim of finding a rational reason to explain why dogs take several walks before doing their business. Some believed that this practice was a way for these animals to “crush” the grass to create a softer and less sharp surface for the position to defecate.
In addition to this explanation, another very common thought is that this attitude of canines is related to a matter of preventing possible dangers. Therefore, it would be a way to quickly scan around the environment in search of predators before entering a position that leaves it vulnerable.
However, both theories are wrong. In the year 2013, a study was published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology that presented something much more complex. According to the researchers, these loops are linked to the act of calibrating with the earth's magnetic field.
The research was the result of a study by zoologist Hynek Burda along with some partners, who spent two years analyzing several dogs in their most vulnerable moments, pooping. During the research process, experts saw dogs defecating 1893 times and observed what the animal's alignment with the planet was at that stage.
For the zoologist, the way dogs try to establish a connection with the planet is similar to the way birds guide themselves through the Earth's magnetic poles during migration. However, dogs would use it to achieve perfect balance when going to the bathroom.
With this, studies have shown that in 20% of the hours of sunlight, the dogs rotate to align and face north or south of the Earth's magnetic field. Because, while evacuating, it is during these hours that the planet's magnetic field is stable. However, when there is magnetic instability or when they cannot connect to a pole, it is normal for them to circle for a while and end up evacuating in any direction.
However, what would be the real reason for this habit? For the zoologist, the reason is quite simple: dogs try to align themselves with the Earth's poles, as this is a way for them to be able to remember the last time they defecated. After all, this is important information in the territory demarcation process so as not to leave traces for supposed predators.
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