Dog owners may find that their canine companions constantly stop to smell during walks. This behavior can be frustrating, especially when in a hurry. However, veterinarians emphasize the importance of letting dogs sniff around while out for a walk, as it is crucial for their health.
According to a report from HuffPost, research shows that allowing dogs to smell is essential for their well-being. Some even compare a dog sniffing to humans using social media, as it provides entertainment and enrichment.
Veterinarian Whitney Miller expressed her opinion on the matter. She pointed out that while social media may have its drawbacks and be mundane for many people, sniffing for dogs can be mentally stimulating.
Veterinarian Danielle Bernal mentioned that sniffing is similar to using social media for dogs as it updates their perception of the surrounding environment. This helps dogs recognize other dogs, learn, and make decisions.
When dogs sniff, they gather information related to animal neighbors and the environment, Bernal explained. While both sniffing and using social media provide information, sniffing is a necessity for dogs, unlike social media for people.
Bernal highlighted the benefits of sniffing for dogs. It not only helps them perceive the external world but also enriches them mentally and physically, which is crucial for overall dog health.
While younger dogs may find inspiration in running and playing, older dogs may benefit more from sniffing, Bernal noted. She added, “For older dogs, especially when their physical activity decreases, taking a moment to sniff around can provide them with mental encouragement.”
Miller mentioned that sniffing helps dogs maintain physical activity as it increases breathing rate and stimulates hormone and metabolic processes.
Bernal noted that sniffing also contributes to the psychological well-being of dogs, making them feel more optimistic, reducing cortisol levels, and minimizing anxiety.
Emphasizing the importance of sniffing for dogs, Miller stated, “When dogs are not allowed to stop and sniff during walks, they may feel stressed as sniffing is their way of assessing the environment.”
While humans rely mostly on vision to perceive the environment, dogs communicate and evaluate it through their sense of smell.
Bernal explained that dogs have over 100 million olfactory receptors, compared to humans’ 6 million. Additionally, the part of the dog’s brain responsible for analyzing scents is 40 times larger than the same part in the human brain.
It is estimated that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times better than that of humans, depending on the breed.
Even though sniffing is a way for dogs to recognize neighbors in nearby areas, allowing them to sniff indoors also benefits their health. You can let them sniff feeding mats or toys, even hide treats in the house for them to find. In other words, rainy days should not prevent your dog from sniffing.
However, when your dog is sniffing, it is essential to stay vigilant, especially outdoors, to prevent them from inhaling potentially harmful substances such as smoke, pollen, dust, or certain leaves, which can obstruct their airways.
Once you ensure safety, let your dog utilize their sense of smell to explore the world around them.