Have you ever noticed your dog circling around before pooping? Or perhaps you’ve seen them line up their body with a north-south axis before doing their business. This seemingly strange behavior has actually been the subject of scientific research, and it turns out that there may be a reason for it.
Dogs and the Earth’s magnetic field
A 2013 study published in the journal “Frontiers in Zoology” found that dogs tend to poop in alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the Czech Republic, observed the behavior of 70 dogs over a period of two years. They found that the dogs were more likely to poop in a north-south direction when the Earth’s magnetic field was calm.
Why do dogs do this?
The researchers who conducted the study aren’t sure why dogs align their bodies with the Earth’s magnetic field when they poop. However, they believe that it may be a way for dogs to orient themselves and communicate with other dogs.
Other animals that align with the Earth’s magnetic field
Dogs aren’t the only animals that align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic field. Bees, ants, and even some birds have been observed to do the same thing.
Conclusion
So, the next time you see your dog circling around before pooping, you can be sure that they’re not just being weird. They’re actually following a natural instinct that has been honed over millions of years.
Additional Information:
- The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the Earth’s core.
- The Earth’s magnetic field has been reversing its polarity every few hundred thousand years.
- The last time the Earth’s magnetic field reversed was about 780,000 years ago.
- Scientists believe that the Earth’s magnetic field is important for protecting life on Earth from harmful solar radiation.