Why does my dog…

Why does my dog roll in the grass or dirt?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

The return to school brings big changes for families, and for dogs, too. After a summer of constant companionship, pups can struggle with longer hours alone, leading to stress or boredom.

Experts recommend easing dogs into their new routines early. Start adjusting meal and walk times before the first school day. A long morning walk or quick game of fetch helps burn energy, leaving your dog more relaxed while the house is quiet.

For extra comfort, stock up on toys and puzzles (be sure to check for back-to-school sales!). Frozen treats in hollow toys, or a snuffle mat scattered with kibble, can keep your pup busy for hours. Even leaving the TV or radio on can help soothe dogs prone to anxiety.

If your dog thrives on structure, consider a training class or regular play sessions in the evening. Keeping up with bonding time, whether through a cuddle, walk, or new trick, ensures they still feel part of the family’s daily rhythm.

With Labor Day sales, it’s the perfect excuse to grab the things that keep tails wagging: whether that’s a new toy, tasty treats, or the comfiest bed in the house.

Today only, enjoy 20% off everything both online and in-store. Plus, get a FREE gift when you bring your dog in-store. Just present the offer at checkout to redeem.

For back-to-school season, don’t miss out on your chance to stock up on your dog’s favorite things, pet food, and care essentials while they’re on sale! Just use coupon code LABORDAY for 20% off.

Save 20% and find your favorites today only!

Thank you to Petco for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Say hello to Moch, a 7-month-old Chihuahua–Affenpinscher mix with scruffy charm and boundless curiosity. Adopted by Michele from Oregon Dog Rescue, Mocha is already living life to the fullest. Whether he’s rolling around in the grass or sniffing out new friends, this pup brings joy everywhere his paws land.

Mocha’s expressive eyes and wiry coat are just part of his appeal, with his friendly nature and love for playtime making him an instant favorite. At only 7 months old, he’s just getting started, and we’re pretty sure the neighborhood already knows his name.

Thanks to Michele for sharing this adorable rescue story! Want your dog to be featured next? Send us a photo and a few details. We’d love to showcase your pup in the Daily Dig.

There’s nothing quite like the warm welcome of a dog waiting at the door. Tail wagging, eyes bright, and nose working overtime. While the extra sniffing might feel like curiosity gone wild, it’s actually your dog’s way of reconnecting with you.

A dog’s nose is a powerhouse, capable of detecting scents up to 100,000 times better than humans. That means your clothing, hair, and skin carry a full “scent story” of your day. From the food you ate to the places you walked through, your pup is piecing together what you’ve been up to while apart.

Dogs don’t just learn where you’ve been. They also sense how you’re feeling. Changes in hormones like cortisol and oxytocin can shift your scent, giving your dog clues about whether you’ve had a stressful day or a joyful one.

Sniffing is also comforting. For many dogs, your smell provides reassurance and helps them wind down, even releasing calming hormones into their system.

So when your dog greets you nose-first, it’s more than curiosity. It’s their way of saying: “I missed you, and I need to know you’re okay.”

From party-loving pups to photo-ready rescues, here’s what’s making tails wag:

• 📚 Back-to-school sales for your dog

• 🎾 15 dog breeds that were born to play fetch

• 📸 Adorable “Dogust” photos

Available today only, enjoy 20% off Petco in-store and online, and get a free gift when you bring your dog in-store. Just present the offer at checkout to redeem.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Why does my dog: It’s a natural instinct to mask their scent, or sometimes just for fun.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with how your dog greets you when you come home for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!