The important reason why you should let your dog sniff on walks

Rosie Stagg, a writer for Country Living, discusses the critical importance of letting your dog sniff during walks in her article, which can be read in full here. Stagg emphasizes how sniffing plays a crucial role in providing mental stimulation, especially for aging dogs.

The article notes that older dogs often prefer a slower pace on walks, using their sense of smell to explore and gather information from their surroundings. This gentle pace is essential for their mental well-being and quality of life, especially for dogs experiencing cognitive decline or loss of sight or hearing.

Stagg quotes veterinary surgeon Zoe Belshaw, who stresses the importance of allowing older dogs to spend ample time sniffing during walks instead of pushing them to maintain a faster pace. Similarly, veterinarian physiotherapist Emily Cowderoy of Royal Veterinary College suggests modifying games and playtime to be more mentally stimulating rather than physically demanding, which is beneficial for older dogs with mobility issues.