Why Do Dogs Face East When They Die

Dogs use the Earth’s magnetic field when they’re relieving themselves. Not only that, but canines choose to do so in a north-south axis, a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology says.

The study suggests that dogs are sensitive to small variations in Earth’s magnetic field. After examining 70 dogs — made up of 37 breeds — over two years, 1,893 defecations and 5,582 urinations, researchers found that under “calm magnetic field conditions,” dogs preferred to “excrete with the body being aligned along the north-south axis,” avoiding east-west altogether. Dogs were observed in a free-roaming environment, meaning they were not leashed and not influenced by walls or roads that would influence linear movement.

Why do the dogs prefer the north-south axis and avoid east-west? That was unclear, according to the study:

The scientists write in the report that the findings open “new horizons” for further research in organisms’ use of magnetic fields for direction, as well as magnetic fields produced by living organisms.

Left: A new study says that dogs choose the direction they relieve themselves based on our planets magnetic field. Photo by Flickr user Junayed Sadat

Video answer: How to use a gentle leader head collar

“I am alert and responsive to my environment.” Many dogs howl when stimulated by certain high pitched sounds like sirens and music, or in response to another dogs vocalizations.

Howling acknowledges that they heard the sound and expresses their readiness to respond or desire to join in the action.

The male dog will begin by sniffing the females vulva. If she is receptive she will pull her tail to one side which is known as flagging. The male will then mount the female and insert his penis and begin thrusting.

Why do dogs choose where to poop?

Dogs choose their spot as a means to communicate with other dogs. Dogs use their strong sense of smells to determine what the poop is saying. Your dog might circle for a few reasons. It could be just to find the perfect spot to send his message, or he is aligning himself with the Earth’s magnetic field.

Do Dogs face North-South when they poop?

Dogs align north-south when defecating, foxes pounce north-east, and that’s just the start. Dogs prefer to defecate with their spine aligned in a north-south position, and they use Earth’s magnetic field to help them position themselves.

Dogs don’t need a compass: Your best friend can sense Earth’s magnetic field, say researchers who report that dogs preferentially align themselves facing north or south to do their business. Dogs are well known for their excellent sense of smell and their keen sense of hearing.

Dogs have an enviable sense of direction. While hunting, some dogs will simply retrace their steps, using scent trails to guide their way (known as tracking), but others will sometimes return to their starting point following an entirely novel route, an ability the researchers have termed as ‘scouting’.

Do dogs remember their way home?

In short: dogs’ incredible ability to find their way home seems to spring from an ability to detect magnetic fields.

Is it OK to let a dog die naturally?

The body’s goal: to maintain its heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure. When you let your pet die at home, it may seem “peaceful,” but it’s not — with the exception of severe, acute hemorrhage (where the body bleeds out quickly and the patient loses consciousness).

FAQ

Which direction do dogs face when they die?

In most cases, the pets turn inward. They withdraw from the people they love and no longer show any interest in what is going on around the house. At other times, dying pets seem to seek out more attention from their caretakers or do things they have never done before.

How do dogs act before they die?

They show fear, abandonment and confusion. They show compassion and understanding. There are souls behind these eyes. My friends and clients often ask me what I think they should tell their children when the family pet is dying.

Do dogs stay with their owners after they die?

Dogs can show a variety of behavioral changes when they are dying. The exact changes will vary from dog to dog, but the key is that they are changes. Some dogs will become restless, wandering the house and seeming unable to settle or get comfortable. Others will be abnormally still and may even be unresponsive.