[Mick Holmes]

Mick Holmes asked the Naked Scientists:

When walking my dog along the canal, why does he always dump in the middle of the path when there's 12ft of rough grass either side.

What do you think?

[DoctorBeaver]

Using Occam's razor - the pavement doesn't tickle its bottom when it squats  []

[dentstudent]

I guess it's because dogs don't have the same social cues as humans, and don't consider it to be anti-social to poo on the path.

Also, why do so many owners watch their dogs whilst they are having a poo? (The dogs are having the poo, not the owners.)

[DoctorBeaver]

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

[dentstudent]

Nope.

[Don_1]

I guess it's because dogs don't have the same social cues as humans,

Are you saying you poo on the grass???

(FOG)

[Don_1]

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

Not something I have ever had the notion to study.

[dentstudent]

I guess it's because dogs don't have the same social cues as humans,

Are you saying you poo on the grass???

(FOG)

If you were out walking and you had to go, would you poo on the path? (FOG forehand return)

[dentstudent]

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

...though sometimes it feels as though mine does too.  [xx(]

[Don_1]

I guess it's because dogs don't have the same social cues as humans,

Are you saying you poo on the grass???

(FOG)

If you were out walking and you had to go, would you poo on the path? (FOG forehand return)

Might be safer than pooing on somebodies well manicured lawn....
"Oi!, stop crapping on my lawn"

(FOG Backhander)

[Don_1]

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

...though sometimes it feels as though mine does too.  [xx(]

Far too much information!!!

[RD]

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

That sounds like partial rectal prolapse...

There are three types of rectal prolapse:

Partial prolapse (also called mucosal prolapse). The lining (mucous membrane) of the rectum slides out of place and usually sticks out of the anus when you strain to have a bowel movement.

http://health.yahoo.com/digestive-overview/rectal-prolapse-topic-overview/healthwise--hw181293.html

Rectal Prolapse in Dogs

Rectal prolapse is an uncommon condition in which rectal tissue protrudes through the anal opening. It appears as a tubular piece of tissue attached to the anus. The rectum is the part of the large intestine that ends just inside the anus. Rectal prolapse typically occurs in puppies and kittens under 6 months of age. The cause of the prolapse is usually not ever determined, but many veterinarians feel that gastrointestinal parasites are an underlying cause. The affected animal typically strains and strains and eventually part of the rectum is pushed out the anus.

Older animals can also develop rectal prolapse. In these situations, the underlying irritation causing the straining and eventual prolapse is often associated with injury to the rectal lining or rectal tumors.

Animals with rectal prolapse have a fair chance of recovering with appropriate treatment.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/rectal-prolapse-in-dogs/page1.aspx

[DoctorBeaver]

Another thread that's degenerated  []

[Don_1]

Another thread that's degenerated  []

Yes, and who dragged it into the gutter???

Using Occam's razor - the pavement doesn't tickle its bottom when it squats  []

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

FOG

[dentstudent]

Another thread that's degenerated  []

They tend to end on some common denominator. And they don't come much more common than us!

[dentstudent]

Another thread that's degenerated  []

Yes, and who dragged it into the gutter???

Using Occam's razor - the pavement doesn't tickle its bottom when it squats  []

Have you noticed that dogs' bums turn inside-out when they dump?

FOG

What's the FOG card being played for? Because the pavement doesn't squat?

[DoctorBeaver]

Another thread that's degenerated  []

Yes, and who dragged it into the gutter???

Using Occam's razor - the pavement doesn't tickle its bottom when it squats  []

I was answering the question!

[Don_1]

I've never seen a razor with a bottom, let alone a pavement tickle it!

[dentstudent]

It's ironic that if you apply Occam's razor to razors, you'd lose at least 2 blades. Isn't there a "4-blader" on the market now?

[blakestyger]

They tend to end on some common denominator. And they don't come much more common than us!

...they don't come much more common than we! (FOG)