Pets are cute… but also kind of gross
We love our pets, but let’s be real—they do some seriously gross stuff. From eating things they shouldn’t to making a mess in the most unexpected ways, sometimes it feels like they enjoy testing our limits. But as nauseating as their habits can be, most of them are totally normal (even if they make you gasp).
If you’ve ever wondered why your dog licks everything or why your cat insists on sneezing directly in your face, you’re in the right place. Here are seven of the grossest things pets do—and why they do them.
1. Eating poop (Yep, we had to mention it)
Dogs, and sometimes even cats, have a nasty habit of snacking on their own (or another animal’s) poop. This charming behaviour, called coprophagia, might seem disgusting to us, but for them, it’s instinct. Some do it out of boredom, others because they learned it from their mum as a puppy. Occasionally, it’s due to a nutritional deficiency.
Either way—10/10 do not recommend letting them lick your face after.
If you're curious about the reasons behind this gross behaviour, we've covered it in detail in our blog post: Why does your dog eat it's own poo
2. Rolling in the worst smells possible
Dogs have an uncanny ability to find the stinkiest thing in the park and roll in it like it’s the best spa treatment they’ve ever had. Dead animal? Yep. Rotting fish? Absolutely. Theories suggest they do this to mask their scent (a survival trick from their ancestors) or simply because they love the smell.
Either way, straight to the bath they go.
3. Dragging their butt across the floor
Ah yes, the dreaded scoot. If your dog is dragging their bum across your carpet like they’re trying to start a fire, chances are their anal glands need attention. These little scent glands sometimes get clogged, causing discomfort. If it happens often, a trip to the vet or groomer is in order.
Otherwise, consider your rug officially ruined.
4. Licking everything (Including you)
Dogs and cats love to lick—paws, floors, furniture, your face right after licking their butt. Excessive licking can be a sign of allergies, boredom, or anxiety. If your pet is licking their paws raw, they might need a vet visit.
If they’re just licking you obsessively, congrats—you’re officially part of the pack.
Read full article: Why Do Dogs Lick Everything
5. Drinking from the toilet
Despite having a perfectly good water bowl, some pets insist that toilet water is the premium hydration option. Why? It’s cool, constantly refreshed, and in their eyes, just a big fancy drinking fountain.
Keeping the lid closed (or investing in a pet water fountain) can help stop this unsanitary habit.
6. Sneezing right in your face
Ever had your pet sneeze directly in your face? It’s never a dainty little sneeze either—it’s a full-blown, wet explosion of who-knows-what. Occasional sneezing is normal, but if your pet is doing it a lot or has discharge, it might be allergies or an infection.
In the meantime, consider wearing protective gear.
7. Stashing food in the worst places
Ever found a half-chewed biscuit in your shoe? Or a soggy piece of kibble under your pillow? Some pets hoard food for later, even if they’re well-fed. It’s an instinct from their wild ancestors who had to stash food to survive. The downside? Forgotten food rots and turns into a nasty surprise.
Check their hiding spots regularly unless you enjoy mystery odours.
The verdict: gross, but loveable
Sure, our pets are adorable, but they’re also little weirdos with some seriously questionable hygiene choices. Most of their gross habits are totally normal, but if something seems excessive—like constant licking, sneezing, or scooting—it’s best to check in with a vet.
Want to keep your pet clean and healthy? Check out our range of pet grooming and health essentials to help make life a little less gross!
